T20 World Cup 2026: ‘The real test begins in the Super 8’ – Legendary former player voices concerns despite India’s unbeaten run

India stretched their winning streak to four games in the ongoing T20 World Cup after beating the Netherlands by 17 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 18. However, former India opener Virender Sehwag has expressed his doubts over the bowling department, which will come up against tougher opposition in the Super 8.

India amassed 193/6 against the Dutch side and conceded 176. Sehwag hopes that the team management will pay close attention to the bowling attack heading into the Super 8, and added that it has not been tested yet.

“I don’t think India have been challenged yet. In the first match India struggled a bit, but since then India have been playing some consistent cricket. The real test will begin in the Super 8. Today, India did score 193, but they also conceded 176. So, India will have to look at their bowling. When we come up against a better batting side, how will this bowling unit respond, and be used?” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

There is still a doubt as to which combination will India proceed with in the Super 8: Mohit Sharma

Former India fast bowler Mohit Sharma also voiced his concerns regarding India’s bowling lineup on the same show. He opined that having Arshdeep Singh in the lineup could give captain Suryakumar Yadav a bit more flexibility in the back end of the innings, as he can bowl in tandem with Jasprit Bumrah. However, Mohit mentioned that if Axar Patel bats at No. 8 and Arshdeep sits out, India’s bowling can be found wanting.

“There is still a doubt as to which combination will India proceed with in the Super 8. If you have an all-rounder like Axar Patel at No.8, then who bowls at the death? If a team like the Netherlands can ask questions in the death, then there are bigger teams coming up. If Arshdeep is there, you can be a little flexible in the death since he can bowl with Bumrah,” Mohit said.

The Men in Blue are placed in Group 1 in the Super 8. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the  West Indies are the other three teams in the group. Meanwhile, England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand are pitted in Group 2.