‘India needs to shake up’: Ravi Shastri warns defending champions must act quickly to save T20 World Cup semi-final hopes Cricket News
New Delhi: India’s humiliating defeat by South Africa may have dented their hopes of reaching the semi-finals, but former head coach Ravi Shastri It’s believed this setback could be the “restructure” the title favorites desperately need – if only they respond immediately.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Ahead of the must-win Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe, Shastri warned that one more misstep could push India to the brink of elimination.“When you win 12 games in a row, there are bound to be rest days. I’m glad it came early. This could be just the shake-up India need,” Shastri said. “It may also make them reconsider their strategy for the future of the team.”
India’s 76-run defeat ended their dominance and left them no room for error. Shastri made it clear that the team had to learn and adapt quickly.“They will learn from last time and they won’t take things for granted because in the Super Eights if you lose another game then you really put a lot of pressure on yourself,” he warned.Also read: What India must do to survive in T20 World CupThe key to Axar Patel’s revivalShastri stressed that India must urgently strengthen their bowling options, calling for the immediate return of vice-captain Axar Patel.
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What should be India’s priority after South Africa’s defeat?
“They have to bring him back. You need that experience. I would say a little bit of both,” he said, referring to Aqsa and Washington Sundar. “Give yourself an extra option. Because at some point, you’re bound to have a bowler have an off day.”He also allayed concerns about batting depth upon Axar’s return.“If eight batsmen can’t do the job in T20 cricket, then something is wrong, especially with this firepower,” Shastri said. “Where you miss out is you don’t give yourself that extra option of bowlers, and I think that’s important.”For India, the equation now is simple. The warning signs have arrived. The shaking has happened. Their fate in the semi-finals will depend on how quickly they react.
