“Glad it happened”: Ravi Shastri fires shots at Gautam Gambhir after loss to South Africa

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has claimed that India needed the blow, and it is good that it has come early in their campaign as it would give them some time to strategize their campaign accordingly. A loss later in the Super-8 would have ended their hopes of qualifying; however, they can look to raise their game against Zimbabwe and the West Indies.

India qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super-8 stage as an undefeated side since the previous edition of this tournament. Their last defeat in the ICC event came in 2022, before the first match of this edition against South Africa.

The Rohit Sharma-led side were unbeaten in 2024, as were Suryakumar’s side in their four group stage matches this season, before receiving an unexpected shock from the Proteas in their Super-8 opener. South Africa defeated India by a whopping 76 runs.

“It could be the shake-up India needed,” said Ravi Shastri

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has once again minced no words in claiming that India needed the defeat, which could as well act as an initial shock to the World Cup. He said this would still keep their hopes alive for the tournament.

In the ICC Review, Ravi Shastri gave his final thoughts on India’s early setback in the campaign and said it would give them time to reassess their strategies for the rest of the matches in the competition.

“I’m actually glad it happened so early, especially against a team that is already going to reach the semi-finals. It could be the shake-up India needed. It could also force them to rethink their strategy and squad composition going forward. I am sure they will bounce back,” said Ravi Shastri.

They would have learned from that experience and will not take things for granted. If you lose another match in the Super 8 you really put a lot of pressure on yourself,” he added.

Ravi Shastri influenced Axar Patel’s comeback ahead of the Zimbabwe match

Another major controversy that broke out was the sudden change in plans to go for Washington Sundar instead of World Cup-winning all-rounder Axar Patel, who is also the vice-captain of the Indian team. He felt that Axar should return against Zimbabwe, who have more right-handed batters, and Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie’s success against them was evident.

“I think they should bring him back. You need that experience. I would say play both if you can, give yourself that extra option because on any given day one bowler is bound to have a bad day. For example, Varun Chakravarthy was not at his best yesterday and he paid the price. So you need that backup,” opined Ravi Shastri.

Bringing back Axar would mean India could go deep to zero. 8, because they already had Hardik and Dube at No. 8. 5 and 6, and Washington Sundar could also be played at No. 5. 7 as second spinner all-rounder; However, in such a scenario, they would have to drop finishing expert Rinku Singh.

India’s chances in the semi-finals of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup

India may have suffered a huge setback, and even their run rate has been affected by the huge blow. India’s chances in the semi-final have been shortened by a narrow margin; however, much depends on the next match between South Africa and West Indies.

While India should win the match against Zimbabwe, and that too by a huge margin, close to what West Indies did, their focus would be on the other match to see if South Africa beats the West Indies. In such a scenario, only a win against Zimbabwe and West Indies could help India progress to the final.

ALSO READ: IPL owners accused of anti-Pakistani agenda by Azhar Mahmood; evidence presented