Former Indian Cricketer Sounds Alarm Ahead of Super Eight Clashes
The Indian team has successfully made it to the Super Eight stages, losing no game in the Group stages. Still, there are some concerns that the team might have to address for the upcoming crucial games, in order to make it to the semi-final stages.
The Indian team has successfully made it to the Super Eight stages, losing no game in the Group stages. Still, there are some concerns that the team might have to address for the upcoming crucial games, in order to make it to the semi-final stages. And these concerns were highlighted by Aakash Chopra, in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
The Super Eight stages of the T20 World Cup 2026 are about to commence. India has been the frontrunner to win the tournament, but there are several challenging things which need to be addressed. While the team has won each of its group stage games, there are a few questions being raised on the team strategy.
And these questions are being raised on the usage of Varun Chakravarthy. Despite being the leading wicket-taker for the Indian team, he has not received consistent opportunities to bowl his full overs in the game. This issue has lately been raised by Aakash Chopra, in a video he posted on his YouTube channel after the game between India and Netherlands.
The Varun Chakravarthy Issue
Varun Chakravarthy has quickly become India's leading wicket-taker in the current edition of the T20 World Cup. With 8 wickets in 4 games, he has been able to dominate for the team against each and every opponent. But the major concern has been his bowling spells, which were never completed, except for the game against the USA.
Varun Chakravarthy in T20 World Cup 2026:
- India vs USA: 1/24 (4 Overs)
- India vs Namibia: 3/7 (2 Overs)
- India vs Pakistan: 2/17 (3 Overs)
- India vs Netherlands: 3/14 (3 Overs)
It can be seen that despite taking wickets constantly, Varun Chakravarthy has not completed the four-over spell in any game except for the clash against the USA. Aakash Chopra has pointed out this issue in his recent video. With Chakravarthy being India's leading wicket-taker in the tournament, him missing out on all the potential overs could be a loss.
He said, “Why are you not getting Varun Chakaravarthy to bowl his overs? You are not giving him all his overs. You have done it only once, against USA, because you used only five bowlers. Do you do that with any batter? Do you ask them to come out if they are playing well and have scored 50-60 runs?”
He continued by saying, “You don't do that. They can play even 60 balls. A bowler can't bowl more than 24 balls, and you are not letting him bowl those 24 either. He would have taken at least one five-wicket haul, but you didn't let him do it. You didn't play him against New Zealand as well. If a batter needs rhythm, a bowler also needs that.”
Hardik + New Ball
Another thing which was suggested by Aakash Chopra in his video was related to India's bowling with the new ball. He suggested that Hardik Pandya would be a great option for the team to bowl with the new ball. This was also seen in the clash against Pakistan, where he was able to take the wicket of Sahibzada Farhan in the very first over.
He talked about India's next clash against South Africa by saying, “I feel Hardik should be bowled with the new ball. You are making (Jasprit) Bumrah bowl with Arshdeep (Singh) currently, but you have to get four overs from Hardik. When Axar Patel comes in the next match, there will be left-handers in front - Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller. So you would think when to get Axar to bowl his overs.”
Moreover, he gave the example for the clash against Pakistan. Aakash said, “For that, it is important that you make Hardik bowl his overs with the new ball. Who dismissed Sahibzada Farhan? He only did it. Give him the new ball. He can pick up wickets. You shouldn't give him the fourth, fifth, or sixth over of the powerplay. Middle overs are not his strength. I think Hardik should open with Arshdeep Singh.”
India's Super Eight Clashes
India was among the initial teams which made their way to the Super Eight stages of the tournament. By winning the game against Pakistan, they made it to the Super Eight on 15 February, as it was ensured that the team would finish in the top spot. While the group stage must have been an easy task for the team, the real challenge begins now.
India's Super Eight Clashes:
- India vs South Africa: 22 February
- India vs Zimbabwe: 26 February
- India vs West Indies: 1 March
All of these games will be crucial for the Indian team, noting the fact that the Super Eight is like a do-or-die clash. South Africa and the West Indies have also marched into the same group after having no losses secured in the group stages. With three teams having no losses in the group stages, the Super Eight will be intense for the Indian team.
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