Ravi Shastri Says India Must Take Hard Calls After India’s Historic Defeat

Ravi Shastri called India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa a wake-up call, urging Gautam Gambhir to make a tough Axar Patel or Washington Sundar selection decision.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri delivered a blunt assessment after India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage. The loss stands as India’s biggest margin defeat in T20 World Cup history. Despite this, India remains in contention for the semifinals.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri said the defeat came at a useful time in the campaign. He indicated the team now has space to reassess tactics and team balance before the remaining Super 8 fixtures.

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“I’m actually glad it’s happened early, especially against a team that’s tipped to make the semi-finals anyway. It might just be the shake-up India needed. It could also force them to rethink their strategy and the composition of the side going forward. I’m sure they’ll bounce back. They would have learned from that experience and won’t take things for granted. In the Super 8, if you lose another game, you’re really putting yourself under serious pressure,” he said.

Axar Likely Return Against Right-Heavy Zimbabwe Line-up

Ravi Shastri then addressed the selection debate after Washington Sundar played ahead of vice-captain Axar Patel against South Africa. Team management described the move as tactical, with Axar likely to return against Zimbabwe, who field five right-handers in their top seven.

Shastri said India could play both spin all-rounders to improve balance. Including Axar would strengthen the lower order. Hardik Pandya could bat at 5, Shivam Dube at 6, Sundar at 7 and Axar at 8.

“I think they’ve got to bring him back. You need that experience. I’d say play both if you can, give yourself that extra option, because on any given day, one bowler is bound to have an off day. For example, Varun Chakravarthy wasn’t at his best yesterday and paid the price for it. So you need that backup. That strengthens your No. 8. If Axar Patel is playing, he could bat at eight. You’ve got Hardik Pandya at five, Shivam Dube at six, Washington Sundar at seven and Axar at eight. Axar can even bat at five if required,” he said.

“If eight batters can’t get the job done in T20 cricket, then something’s wrong, especially with that kind of firepower. Where you’re falling short is not giving yourself that extra bowling option, which I think is important. That might mean Rinku Singh misses out, but if he comes in, it should be in place of a specialist batter,” the former cricketer added.

India will next face Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday and the West Indies in Kolkata on March 1. Another loss could place the defending champions under massive pressure.