India's T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal hopes took a severe hit after the Suryakumar Yadav-led side suffered a crushing 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in Ahmedabad last Sunday (February 22).

West Indies' rampaging 107-run victory over Zimbabwe further compounded India's troubles. The defending now need commanding wins in their remaining two Super 8 fixtures to keep themselves in the final-four race.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, former BCCI chief selector Kris Srikkanth offered honest assessment of the semi-final qualification scenarios.

While Srikkanth believes West Indies hold an edge in the semis race, he also mentioned that Zimbabwe can be a tricky opponent for India at Chepauk on Thursday (February 26).

"West Indies are one step ahead of India now with the crushing win over Zimbabwe. Everything boils down to the South Africa-West Indies match for India. Yet, playing on the Chennai wicket, Zimbabwe is a bigger threat to India than the West Indies," Srikkanth said.

"Because now the West Indies have hopes of qualification whereas Zimbabwe has no hope, so they'll play carefree cricket. It will be game over for India if West Indies beats South Africa. Though South Africa also has to beat Zimbabwe, then," he added.

Indian batting collapsed in the Super 8 opener against South Africa as the Men in Blue were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs while chasing a stiff target of 188.

According to Srikkanth, pressure got the better of Indian batters during the chase against the Proteas.

"It may look like the Indian batters slogged and got out against South Africa. But it's the pressure of chasing a big score like 187, and how the openers, especially, are under immense pressure in such a case. Under that pressure, sometimes you'll slog and get out. That's why Ishan Kishan played that shot and got out. The mental pressure made them slog and get out," Srikkanth remarked.