Former Irfan Pathan has urged the India national cricket team to focus on winning matches rather than worrying about net run rate as they prepare for their crucial Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With India’s title defence hanging in the balance, Pathan believes clarity of approach will be key in the final stages of the tournament. India’s campaign took a major hit after their crushing 76-run defeat to the South Africa national cricket team — the biggest margin of defeat for India in T20 World Cup history.

The result has complicated their qualification path and left them depending on multiple outcomes to stay alive in the tournament. At present, India needs victories over Zimbabwe and the West Indies, while hoping South Africa remains unbeaten in the group. If that scenario doesn’t unfold, qualification could come down to net run rate. However, with the West Indies boasting a net run rate above +5 and South Africa over +3, India’s negative figure puts them at a significant disadvantage.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s show Follow the Blues, Pathan stressed that chasing net run rate from the start of the match would be the wrong approach. “I really hope that approach of playing for net run-rate does not come into play at the start of the game. The priority should be winning the game first. So, perform well and try to win. Only then should you think about the run-rate,” Irfan Pathan said.

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He further explained how unrealistic it would be for India to chase massive run-rate targets in a T20 format.

“If you start thinking about chasing the net run-rate of, say, the West Indies, that is almost impossible. That would mean beating teams like Zimbabwe and the West Indies by a margin of 100 runs, which is not easy in T20 cricket,” he added.

India’s batting order has also raised tactical questions during the tournament. The top three currently feature three left-handers — Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma — which has occasionally made it easier for opposition teams to plan their bowling strategies.

While Kishan has shown flashes of form, Abhishek has struggled badly with just 15 runs in four innings, including three ducks. Tilak has accumulated 107 runs in five innings but at a strike rate slightly above 118, which is below India’s usual aggressive T20 tempo. Both batters have also faced difficulties against off-spin bowling. Irfan Pathan believes captain Suryakumar Yadav could help solve this issue by promoting himself up the order.

“I think Surya can bat at number three,” Irfan Pathan suggested. “From the team’s perspective, I understand the conservative approach, especially because Abhishek has been getting out early. In the last game, Ishan Kishan got out in the first over,” he explained.

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However, Irfan Pathan feels the team management should still consider the move to break the sequence of left-handers at the top. “They still need to consider batting Suryakumar Yadav at number three to break the monotony of having three left-handers at the top,” he concluded.