Absolutely Ridiculous’: Kris Srikkanth Questions India’s Tactics Vs South Africa

Kris Srikkanth criticised India’s tactics against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match, calling Hardik Pandya’s demotion to No.7 “ridiculous” after the Proteas posted 187/7.

Former India captain and selector Kris Srikkanth criticised the team management and India’s tactics after their Super 8 defeat to South Africa on Sunday, February 23. He questioned the decision to send Hardik Pandya at No.7 during the chase. Srikkanth noted that Pandya has delivered under pressure at No.5 and felt the move hurt India’s chances. He also criticised shot selection from Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh, saying poor decisions added pressure.

“It was absolutely ridiculous. India were humiliated today on all fronts. It’s what we usually do to opponents, but the roles were reversed today. Hardik Pandya has done well in pressure situations at 5. He should have come in at No.5. Instead, they sent him at 7, which was totally unfair. Hardik Pandya coming in at No.7 was ridiculous decision-making,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

“Ishan Kishan was almost caught at mid-on the previous delivery, yet he is slogging the next ball. Was it necessary to slog the next delivery? Rinku Singh only scores single digits wherever he comes to bat. It’s easy to play in bilateral series compared to ICC events. The batters will now second-guess their approach going forward. Abhishek Sharma already went from striker to non-striker in this match,” he continued.

READ ALSO | Yuzvendra Chahal Reveals How David Miller Helped South Africa Beat India in Ahmedabad

“The Indian batters’ mindsets will become further negative. India’s batting throughout the tournament has not been consistent. It’s just been bailed out by one or two players and even that went for a toss this match. (Shivam) Dube hit some sixes at the end, but it was all empty calories after the game was already over,” Srikkanth added.

Road To Semi-Finals Gets Steeper For India

After choosing to bat first, South Africa were 20/3 inside four overs after strikes from Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh (2/28). David Miller then scored 63 off 35 balls and Dewald Brevis made 45 off 29. Their 97-run stand lifted South Africa to 187/7.

India’s reply faltered early. Aiden Markram removed Kishan for a four-ball duck. Marco Jansen struck twice as India slipped to 26/3. Abhishek Sharma scored 15. Shivam Dube top-scored with 42 off 37 balls. India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs. Jansen (4/22), Keshav Maharaj (3/24) and Corbin Bosch (2/12) sealed a 76-run win.

India now faces a difficult path to the semi-finals. They must defeat West Indies and Zimbabwe by significant margins to stay in contention and improve their net run rate.