Team India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super-8 dreams hit rock bottom with a 76-run thrashing by South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium, etching it as the tournament’s largest defeat by runs. The post-match fallout centers on the batting lineup, particularly Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma’s flops.
Abhishek, enduring food poisoning and mental scars from three ducks, mustered 15 runs off 12 balls—his first contribution. Tilak fell for 1. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate’s remarks have teammates and fans alike anticipating shifts.
Queried on Sanju Samson, ten Doeschate lauded his class: ‘He’s outstanding, and his right-hand top-order role aids balance.’ Expect discussions to intensify, likely slotting Samson into the XI for pivotal games against Zimbabwe and West Indies.
No sympathy for excuses, said the coach, despite Abhishek’s hardships. Tilak mirrors the inconsistency. Samson’s South Africa record screamed for his selection on Sunday, yet loyalty to Abhishek prevailed—only to backfire.
This debacle demands bold moves. With Abhishek under the gun, Samson’s resurgence could revitalize India’s campaign, injecting stability and firepower where it’s desperately needed.