India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs while chasing the target of 188.
Team India suffered their first defeat of the T20 World Cup 2026, going down by 76 runs to South Africa in their opening Super 8 fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (February 22)
The batting once again crumbled under pressure as India’s innings folded for 111 in 18.5 overs while chasing a stiff target of 188.
As a result, the defending champions are now facing a must-win situation in their remaining Super 8 fixtures to have any chance of reaching the semi-finals. Two back-to-back wins might also not be enough, as the Net Run Rate took a severe hit after the thrashing at the hands of Proteas.
Following the match, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh slammed India’s ultra-aggressive batting approach. He advised the batters to spend more time at the crease and play according to the situation.
“India are a much better team than this. India are playing in a similar pattern where they are just hitting constantly. When wickets fall, the situation should be taken into consideration," Harbhajan said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“In that regard, Surya did some hard work, but the rest of the batters didn’t show the intent that should have been shown. India are in a very tricky situation now," he added.
India will face Zimbabwe in their next Super 8 clash on February 22 at Chepauk, followed by the West Indies on March 1 in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
Harbhajan also suggested the Indian team management to capitalize on the good form of skipper Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube by giving them key batting spots.
“I think Suryakumar Yadav should have come at No.3 instead of Tilak Varma. And when you sent out Washington Sundar No.5, it should have been Shivam Dube, because the way he played the last match and when someone is playing with that kind of form, he should be batting ahead," Harbhajan remarked.