Key points
- Brevis-Miller partnership proved decisive
- India collapsed to 111 all out
- Axar Patel tipped for recall
ISLAMABAD: India must learn to adjust to match conditions and avoid playing with overconfidence, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has said after South Africa ended the defending champions’ 12-match unbeaten run at the T20 World Cup with a commanding 76-run victory in Ahmedabad.
Gavaskar felt India failed to mirror the measured approach shown by South Africa’s middle order, particularly the partnership between Dewald Brevis and David Miller, who added 97 runs to lift the Proteas to 187/7 after early setbacks. India, in contrast, were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs following a rash batting display.
“Having seen how Brevis and Miller built their partnership, that was the approach needed from the Indian batters,” Gavaskar said on JioStar.
“The Indian batters did not do that. They came out with overconfidence, threw their bat at everything and lost wickets. South Africa clearly outsmarted India and it was a well-deserved win for them.”
India slumped to 26/3 inside the powerplay, losing Ishan Kishan (0), Abhishek Sharma (15) and Tilak Varma (1). Gavaskar was critical of the approach adopted on a surface that demanded patience.
South Africa’s innings
“India did not take notes from South Africa’s innings. They came out and threw their bat at every delivery hoping for a boundary. That is not how you play T20 cricket.
“You have to learn from the opposition. If they have scored well on a tricky surface like this, you have to get rid of your ego, observe and adjust.”
He added: “Tilak Varma has been a very street-smart batter. But I was disappointed with his approach in this game. Ishan Kishan lost his wicket in the first over. The required rate was around 9.5 runs per over, not 15.
“So, Tilak could have given himself more time. At the other end, Abhishek Sharma had back-to-back ducks. So, the responsibility was on Tilak to stick around, build a partnership, and get past the first six overs, but he failed to do that.
“You don’t always need to score 70 runs in the Powerplay. Even 55-60 runs would have been a good platform. But the reckless approach of the Indian batters led to their downfall in Ahmedabad.”
Washington Sundar
Looking ahead to India’s next match against Zimbabwe, Gavaskar suggested a potential change in the XI.
“I would look at bringing Axar Patel back into the playing XI, keeping in mind the lack of too many left-handed batters in Zimbabwe’s line-up. You could possibly bring him in place of Arshdeep Singh.
“But Arshdeep bowled so well against South Africa and you wouldn’t want to change somebody who looked in such good rhythm. So, maybe they might not make a change and go with the same team.
“But I feel Washington Sundar will be the one to miss out. He is not being used properly. Against South Africa, he bowled just two overs and did nothing with the bat.
“Against Netherlands, he bowled four overs but took no wickets. I think the time has run out for Washington Sundar. Axar Patel will surely replace him.”
