Ahmedabad, Feb 23 (.) Sunil Gavaskar has criticised India’s batting approach following their heavy defeat to South Africa, saying the batters failed to learn from the opposition’s innings and paid the price for a reckless strategy.
“Having seen how Brevis and Miller built their partnership, that was the approach needed from the Indian batters,” Gavaskar said on JioStar.
“The Indian batters did not do that. They came out with overconfidence, threw their bat at everything, and lost wickets. South Africa clearly outsmarted India, and it was a well-deserved win for them.”
He said India did not adapt to the conditions despite evidence from South Africa’s innings.
“India did not take notes from South Africa’s innings. They came out and threw their bat at every delivery, hoping for a boundary. That is not how you play T20 cricket,” he added.
“You have to learn from the opposition. If they have scored well on a tricky surface like this, you have to get rid of your ego, observe, and adjust.”
Gavaskar also expressed disappointment with the approach of Tilak Varma, stressing the need for greater responsibility after early setbacks.
“Tilak Varma has been a very street-smart batter. But I was disappointed with his approach in this game. Ishan Kishan lost his wicket in the first over. The required rate was around 9.5 runs per over, not 15,” he said.
“So, Tilak could have given himself more time. At the other end, Abhishek Sharma had back-to-back ducks. So, the responsibility was on Tilak to stick around, build a partnership, and get past the first six overs, but he failed to do that,” Gavaskar added.
The all-time great said that India did not need an aggressive power play at the cost of wickets.
“You don’t always need to score 70 runs in the Powerplay. Even 55-60 runs would have been a good platform. But the reckless approach of the Indian batters led to their downfall in Ahmedabad.”
Looking ahead, Gavaskar suggested India could consider bringing Axar Patel into the playing XI, but said the team management may be reluctant to drop Arshdeep Singh after his strong bowling performance.
“I would look at bringing Axar Patel back into the playing XI, keeping in mind the lack of too many left-handed batters in Zimbabwe’s line-up. You could possibly bring him in place of Arshdeep Singh,” he highlighted.
“But Arshdeep bowled so well against South Africa, and you wouldn’t want to change somebody who looked in such good rhythm. So, maybe they might not make a change and go with the same team.”
“But I feel Washington Sundar will be the one to miss out. He is not being used properly. Against South Africa, he bowled just two overs and did nothing with the bat.”
“Against the Netherlands, he bowled four overs but took no wickets. I think the time has run out for Washington Sundar. Axar Patel will surely replace him.”
Earlier, South Africa recovered from early losses through a crucial 97-run partnership between David Miller and Dewald Brevis to post 187/7.
India’s chase never gained momentum as they lost Ishan Kishan (0), Abhishek Sharma (15), and Tilak Varma (1) inside the powerplay and were eventually bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, suffering a comprehensive defeat.
India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, with Shivam Dube top-scoring with 42, as South Africa sealed a comprehensive 76-run victory.
. VAN PRS