India are facing a must-win situation in their remaining Super 8 fixtures.
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.
Ahead of their next Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at Chepauk, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan suggested that India skipper Suryakumar Yadav should come in to bat at No. 3.
With India's top-order comprising the left-handed trio of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, rival teams have been using off-spinners in the powerplay. So far, this tactic has cost the Men in Blue dearly.
Hence, Pathan feels the issue can be sorted with Suryakumar being put in at No.3 and Tilak coming in after him.
"Maybe Surya should bat at number 3. To actually take away those three left-handers coming one after the other and just change that monotony," said Pathan to the broadcasters.
The team management preferred Washington Sundar over Axar Patel for the South Africa match. Speaking at the toss, Surya described the inclusion of Sundar as a tactical call while batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said it was aimed to counter the Proteas left-handers.
Pathan called for vice-captain Axar’s return to the playing XI, but warned against making wholesale changes.
"Axar Patel should get in. He is a guy who can actually bowl against left-hand batters as well. So let me make it very clear that he's very good. He's very experienced. We can use him as a floater in batting as well. So that's the first thing first."
"The Indian team might be thinking if they can get Kuldeep Yadav in because they must have seen the attack they got in as far as the West Indian team is concerned as well. So they might be thinking against Zimbabwe, should they get Kuldeep in and give him a go before the big game against West Indies as well."
"Apart from that, yes, they are left-handers. Yes, they'll be thinking about Sanju Samson as well, but I don't want the Indian team to think and tinker too much. I would think they should make only one change as far as the playing 11 is concerned. Axar should get in," Pathan remarked.