T20 World Cup: Sanjay Bangar Says India’s “Best Is Yet to Come” Ahead of Super 8s

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup shifts to the Caribbean for the Super 8 stage, former India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes the Men in Blue have yet to hit top gear. Despite an unbeaten run in the group stage, Bangar suggests that India’s most dominant performances are still ahead, emphasizing the need for sharper fielding and batting fluency against spin as the tournament progresses.

Group Stage Recap: Unbeaten but Tested

India navigated a challenging Group A campaign, securing victories on the tricky surfaces of New York. The team defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States, while the final match against Canada was abandoned due to a wet outfield. While the bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah, has been exceptional, the batting lineup faced difficulties adapting to the variable bounce and lateral movement.

India’s Group A Results

Areas for Improvement: Fielding and Spin

Bangar noted that while the team has found ways to win, they haven’t completely dominated opponents. Speaking to broadcasters, he highlighted fielding as a critical area requiring attention before the high-stakes Super 8 matches. The team dropped a few chances during the group stage, lapses that could prove costly against stronger opposition like Australia or Afghanistan.

Furthermore, the shift from the pace-friendly tracks of New York to the spin-conducive wickets of the West Indies poses a new challenge. The Indian middle order, particularly Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, will need to counter the turning ball effectively. Bangar remains optimistic, stating that the exposure of all squad members to match situations augurs well for injury management and tactical flexibility.

Key Players to Watch

With the conditions changing, specific players have emerged as pivotal to India’s title aspirations:

• Rishabh Pant: Batting at number three, Pant has been India’s most consistent batter, showing aggression and adaptability. His counter-attacking style is crucial for setting totals.
• Suryakumar Yadav: The world’s top-ranked T20I batter found his rhythm with a match-winning fifty against the USA. His ability to manipulate the field against spin will be vital in the Caribbean.
• Jasprit Bumrah: The pace spearhead remains the team’s MVP. Bangar emphasized that Bumrah holds the key in crunch moments, capable of delivering breakthroughs regardless of pitch conditions.

Super 8 Schedule and Venues

India is placed in Group 1 for the Super 8s and will face Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals.

For official stats and match reports, visit the ICC T20 World Cup Official Site or the BCCI Official Website.