Former Indian Cricketer Urges Major Overhaul Before Super Eight Clash

India suffered their biggest loss in the T20 World Cup while chasing. While this loss has given some lessons to the team, it also lessens their chances to reach the semi-final stages. After the last game, the former Indian cricketer talked about the line-up changes which are needed for the next game.

Despite being the hosts of the tournament, the chances of the Indian team reaching the semi-final stages are now low. The team had its first clash against South Africa in the Super Eight, but that didn't go as expected. Losing the game by 76 runs, the net run rate has gone to -3.80, which makes every game crucial for the team.

Not only will India have to win the next two games, they will have to secure big wins. Only then it will be possible for them to finish at the second spot in the Super Eight group. After the loss, former Indian cricketer, Irfan Pathan talked about the changes needed for the next few games.

Irfan Pathan Suggests Changes

Following the match, Irfan Pathan posted a video on his YouTube channel. He analysed the game to a great extent, and talked about the places where things went wrong for the Indian team. Even during the game, his tweets focused on the challenges faced by the Indian line-up in the crucial clash against South Africa.

He first talked about the need of Axar Patel in the playing XI. Pathan said, “Axar Patel has to play. Axar Patel is a very, very experienced player. He is a very skilled bowler, even against left-hand batsmen. So he has to play. I really believe he has to play. In the next match, right or left, just bring him in. He is your vice-captain and has been dropped, but he will have to be included. In my opinion, he definitely should be brought in.”

While he talked about the greatness of Axar Patel, he also criticised Rinku Singh to some extent. Rinku has been phenomenal in the field, but his contributions with the bat have been minimal. He said, “Rinku’s runs have also not come. He is excellent in the field, but he needs to score with the bat. Going for big shots immediately is also an issue.”

India's Spin Issue

The Indian team had faced major issues with the spin bowlers in the T20 World Cup. Despite playing the games at their own home turf, the issue has been persistent. The batting line-up is able to do well against other bowlers but they struggle to even grab singles or doubles when a spinner comes in.

Highlighting this issue, Irfan Pathan said, “So, this problem we are talking about is a very old one. Even now, our batting struggles against spin and variations. I had mentioned some numbers, our run rate against spinners is below seven. That needs to improve. Our skills against spin need to get better in the long term. Look, it is possible that we win the next two matches and reach the semifinals. That can definitely happen, and that is what you expect from the Indian team. But in the larger picture, the way we play spin, we need to improve. That needs improvement.”

He further said, “How will we improve? If we play in just one gear, it will be difficult. We need to change gears, find low-risk boundaries, and work on our skills. Right now, it feels like my way or the highway. If that continues, problems will arise. The innings Surya played against the USA, we need such kind of one or two in-form batters in the team. Tilak Varma generally becomes very crucial in such situations, but here there will be some pressure on him.”

How India Can Reach the Semi-finals?

With the brutal loss against South Africa, every game is now a do or die for the Indian team. India has two games remaining in the Super Eight stages, which are against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. In order to reach the semi-final stages, the team will have to win both of the games against the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Even after that, a question will remain on the Net Run Rate. If there is any other team except India which finishes with two wins, it will remain a major challenge. So, for the Indian team, it is not just about winning the game, it is now about winning with a huge margin.

To get their NRR at 0 or above, there are two situations for the Indian team. First, if they are batting first, the team must score above 200 and restrict the opposition to 120-130. And if they are chasing, the team must restrict the opposition at 120-130, and chase down the target in 10-12 overs.