‘I’m glad it has come early’ – Former India coach gives honest opinion after India’s loss to South Africa

India’s Super-8 defeat to South Africa at the T20 World Cup was termed as just the shakeup India needed by former head coach Ravi Shastri. The Men in Blue suffered a shock loss to the Proteas at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday, February 22. 

Shastri addressed India’s first defeat of the campaign. South Africa’s win tightened the Super-8 standings and halted the Men in Blue’s momentum at a crucial stage. And with this loss, the pressure is suddenly on the Suryakumar Yadav-led unit to book their spot for the semi-finals.

“You win 12 matches on the trot, there’s bound to be an off day. And I’m glad it has come early. It might just be the shakeup India needed,” Shastri said while speaking on The ICC Review.

The Men in Blue entered the contest without a loss, but South Africa’s discipline with the ball and control across crucial phases limited the Indian team’s scoring options. The defeat has increased the stakes in the remaining Super Eight games, where qualification margins are tight and net run rate could become decisive, which has taken a massive hit for India.

Shastri indicated that the setback could lead to a reassessment of tactical calls and team balance ahead of the next matches. The Super Eights format leaves limited room for error, with each result carrying significant weight in determining semi-final qualification. Shastri pointed out that another loss would complicate India’s path. 

“They would have learned from the last experience that they’re not going to take things for granted because in the Super-8 if you lose one more (match), then you’re really putting yourself under serious pressure. It might also make them rethink their strategy as to the composition of the side going ahead,” Shastri concluded.

Team India now will face Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on February 26. Whereas South Africa will face the West Indies on the same day at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, in an evening fixture. The result of the Ahmedabad game will change the equation on how the night game determines the fate of Group 1 teams.