India’s crushing defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked sharp criticism from former India captain Kris Srikkanth, who questioned the team management’s tactical decisions. The outspoken former selector labelled it “absolutely ridiculous” that Hardik Pandya was pushed down to No.7 in the batting order during India’s chase of a daunting target. South Africa had earlier recovered brilliantly after a shaky start at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The innings initially tilted India’s way as Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh (2/28) struck early to reduce the Proteas to 20/3 inside the first four overs. However, veteran batter David Miller steadied the innings with a powerful 63 off 35 balls. Miller received excellent support from young star Dewald Brevis, who smashed 45 off 29 deliveries.
The duo stitched together a crucial 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket, shifting momentum decisively in South Africa’s favour. Late fireworks from Tristan Stubbs further lifted the visitors to a competitive 187/7. India’s response never really gathered momentum. Aiden Markram made an immediate impact with the ball, dismissing Ishan Kishan for a four-ball duck after opening with off-spin. Marco Jansen then struck twice during the Powerplay, leaving India reeling at 26/3.
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Although Shivam Dube fought back with a gritty 42 off 37 balls, India never managed to build meaningful partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs. Jansen finished with impressive figures of 4/22, while Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch provided crucial support to seal a commanding 76-run victory.
Reacting strongly to the defeat, Kris Srikkanth criticised India’s batting order, particularly the decision to delay Pandya’s entry. “It was absolutely ridiculous. India were humiliated today on all fronts. It’s what we usually do to opponents, but the roles were reversed today. Hardik Pandya has done well in pressure situations at 5. He should have come in at No.5. Instead, they sent him at 7, which was totally unfair. Hardik Pandya coming in at No.7 was ridiculous decision-making.”
Kris Srikkanth also took aim at the shot selection of several Indian batters. “Ishan Kishan was almost caught at mid-on the previous delivery, yet he is slogging the next ball. Was it necessary to slog the next delivery? Rinku Singh only scores single digits wherever he comes to bat. It’s easy to play in bilateral series compared to ICC events. The batters will now second-guess their approach going forward. Abhishek Sharma already went from striker to non-striker in this match.”
He further added that India’s batting inconsistency throughout the tournament had finally caught up with them.
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“The Indian batters’ mindsets will become further negative. India’s batting throughout the tournament has not been consistent. It’s just been bailed out by one or two players and even that went for a toss this match. (Shivam) Dube hit some sixes at the end, but it was all empty calories after the game was already over.”
With their net run rate badly dented, India now face a must-win situation in their remaining Super 8 matches against the West Indies cricket team and the Zimbabwe national cricket team to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
