Everything Is Fine’ Is a Cover-Up: Captain’s Ego and Batting Fear Hurt Team India

In the last article, a simple question was asked: “Is everything fine in the Indian cricket team?”

Now, after watching India’s performance in the Super 8 match yesterday, the answer is very clear: no, everything is not fine.

The way India played against South Africa in the Super 8 showed many problems inside the team. Let’s look at them one by one.

Too Much Dependence on So-Called Superstars

Since the start of this T20 World Cup 2026, India’s opening pair has not even added 10 runs properly. The entire opening responsibility rests on our-form Abhishek Sharma’s weak shoulders.

After getting out for zero in three straight innings, the pressure on him against South Africa was clearly visible. He looked more worried about not getting out for zero again than about scoring runs.

He scored 15 runs off 12 balls, but honestly, it would have been better if he had gotten out early. The way he was missing slog shots proved what Pakistani bowler Mohammad Amir once said that Abhishek is more of a slogger than a proper batter.

Captain’s Overconfidence Is a Big Concern

Before the match, during the press conference, captain Suryakumar Yadav looked full of overconfidence.

When a journalist asked about giving a chance to Sanju Samson, the way SKY defended Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma showed overconfidence, not just confidence.

A captain should trust the entire team, not only 2–3 players. Yes, a player going through bad form deserves support  but what about the player sitting on the bench, waiting for an opportunity?

The journey continues as the excitement doubles in the next phase of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 🔥

Which match up are you most excited for?

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 2026 👉 SUPER 8 STAGE starts SAT, 21st FEB pic.twitter.com/2Bg5qUhA30

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 18, 2026

Sanju Samson was judged based on just one innings, while Abhishek Sharma, despite three consecutive ducks, kept getting chances again and again. This raises serious questions about team selection.

Unnecessary Experiments at the Wrong Time

India was in good rhythm for the last 3-4 matches. Then, suddenly, in a Super 8 match against a strong team like South Africa, the team management started experimenting too much.

Because of the left-right combination idea:

• Washington Sundar, who suits the lower order, was pushed into the middle order
• Rinku Singh, who should bat higher, was sent just above the bowlers

Rinku is in the team as a specialist batter, not an all-rounder. Sending him after so many all-rounders raises serious questions about planning and thinking.

What Happens Next?

India still has matches left against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. But right now, India is at the bottom of Group 1, with a terrible net run rate of -3.800.

Semi-final spots will be decided by net run rate, and teams like Zimbabwe and West Indies are playing very smart cricket. Net run rate will play a huge role.

India now must not only win the next two matches, but they must also win them by big margins.

Semi-Finals Now Look Very Difficult

After the heavy loss to South Africa, fixing the net run rate will be extremely hard. India needs big wins against Zimbabwe and West Indies, which looks unlikely at the moment.

If India bats first against Zimbabwe in Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium, they will need to score more than 200 runs. But no team has crossed 200 at Chepauk in this World Cup, and looking at Zimbabwe’s bowling and India’s current batting form, it feels very difficult.

Even while chasing, India’s batting does not look strong enough to finish the target early or without losing many wickets.

India’s road to the semi-final is now full of challenges. They must win their remaining two matches by big margins and depend on other teams’ results.

Right now, for Team India, the Super 8 is no longer just a stage; it is a survival test.

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