‘Simply Throwing the Bat’: Sunil Gavaskar Tears Into India’s Tactics After Super 8 Collapse
Ahmedabad: India suffered a severe setback in their T20 World Cup Super 8 campaign on Sunday, succumbing to a 76-run defeat against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing a target of 187, the host nation’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, failing to build partnerships or adapt to the surface conditions. The loss severely impacts India’s Net Run Rate (NRR), placing immense pressure on the remaining group fixtures.
Match Snapshot: India vs. South Africa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| South Africa Score | 187/7 (20 Overs) |
| India Score | 111 All Out |
| Result | South Africa won by 76 runs |
| Key Performers | David Miller, Dewald Brevis (SA) |
Gavaskar Questions Batting Application
Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar delivered a scathing assessment of India’s chase, highlighting a lack of technical application compared to their opponents. While South Africa recovered from a precarious 20/3 to post a competitive total, India’s batters appeared rushed and reckless.
“If you look at the way Dewald Brevis and David Miller rebuilt the South African innings, they played a lot more shots in the ‘V’, especially when the short ball was used,” Gavaskar told Star Sports. “They adjusted really well. They realized the ball wasn’t coming onto the bat as quickly as expected—it was holding up slightly in the surface.”
Gavaskar emphasized that the Indian lineup failed to read the pitch speed. “Having seen how they constructed their innings and built that partnership, that was the kind of approach that was needed, rather than simply throwing the bat at just about everything,” he added.
The Collapse: Key Statistics
- Ishan Kishan: Dismissed for a duck in the first over, triggering the slide.
- Shivam Dube: Top-scored with 42, but used 37 deliveries, struggling to accelerate.
- Bowling Figures: Varun Chakaravarthy (1/47) and Hardik Pandya (0/45) leaked runs during the middle overs.
Miller and Brevis Rescue the Proteas
Earlier in the evening, the South African innings seemed in danger of disintegrating. The Indian bowlers reduced the visitors to 20/3 early on. However, the experienced David Miller and young sensation Dewald Brevis stabilized the innings. Once settled, the pair targeted specific bowlers, capitalizing on errors in length from Pandya and Chakaravarthy.
Former South African captain Shaun Pollock noted the difference in adaptability between the two sides. He pointed out that the Proteas benefited from prior experience at the venue.
“I don’t think there was enough adaptability from India’s perspective,” Pollock stated. “South Africa had already played three matches on this ground, so they had a very good understanding of how the surface behaved. They struggled in the first four or five overs and had to adjust, and it was only once the Brevis–Miller partnership got going that they were able to play their shots more freely.”
Semi-Final Qualification Scenario
The magnitude of the defeat has drastic consequences for the Group 1 standings. India’s Net Run Rate has plummeted to -3.800. To remain in contention for the semi-finals, the team must secure comprehensive victories in their upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies.
For official standings and fixture details, visit the International Cricket Council (ICC) or the BCCI official website.