“Shed Your Ego!” – Gavaskar Blasts India After SA Humiliation

• India national cricket team suffered a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa national cricket team in Super 8s.
• Sunil Gavaskar slammed India’s “overconfident” batting approach.
• Only Shivam Dube (42) fought as India collapsed for 111 chasing 188.
• Gavaskar wants Axar Patel back for the Zimbabwe clash in Chennai.

“Shed Your Ego” – Sunil Gavaskar Blasts India After 76-Run Hammering by South Africa

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar did not mince words after India’s crushing 76-run loss to South Africa in their opening Super 8 fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on February 22.

India’s defeat not only handed South Africa two crucial points but also severely dented their net run rate — a factor that could prove decisive in the knockout race.

South Africa Outsmart India on Tricky Surface

Batting first, South Africa posted an imposing 187/7 in 20 overs.

• David Miller anchored the innings with a composed fifty.
• Dewald Brevis provided flair.
• Tristan Stubbs added crucial late acceleration.

The Proteas built partnerships intelligently, pacing their innings according to conditions.

In response, India faltered badly. The top order crumbled inside the powerplay:

• Ishan Kishan – 0
• Abhishek Sharma – 15
• Tilak Varma – 1

India slipped to 26/3, and the chase never recovered. Only Shivam Dube (42) showed resistance as India were bundled out for 111.

Gavaskar’s Harsh Assessment

Speaking on JioStar, Gavaskar said India failed to learn from South Africa’s approach.

“Having seen how Brevis and Miller built their partnership, that was the approach needed from the Indian batters. The Indian batters did not do that. They came out with overconfidence, threw their bat at everything, and lost wickets.”

He emphasized adaptability over ego.

“You have to get rid of your ego, observe, and adjust. That is how you play T20 cricket.”

According to Gavaskar, India misjudged the required tempo.

“The required rate was around 9.5 runs per over, not 15. You don’t always need 70 in the Powerplay. Even 55-60 would have been enough.”

Tilak Varma’s Approach Under Scrutiny

Gavaskar expressed particular disappointment with Tilak Varma.

“Tilak has been a street-smart batter. But he failed to assess the situation. With Abhishek having back-to-back ducks, it was his responsibility to build a partnership.”

The legend stressed that game awareness is crucial in pressure matches.

Axar Patel vs Washington Sundar Debate

India’s decision to bench Axar Patel for Washington Sundar sparked debate.

Sundar’s numbers vs South Africa:

• 11 runs with the bat
• 2 overs, 17 runs conceded
• 0 wickets

Gavaskar suggested it’s time to reconsider.

“Washington Sundar is not being used properly. I think the time has run out for him. Axar Patel will surely replace him.”

He also weighed Arshdeep Singh’s position but acknowledged the pacer bowled well and may retain his spot.

What’s Next for India?

India now face Zimbabwe national cricket team in Chennai on February 26. With Super 8 qualification at stake, the Men in Blue cannot afford another slip-up.

Team management must now decide:

• Stick with aggressive template?
• Bring Axar back?
• Demand smarter powerplay batting?

With net run rate already damaged, India’s margin for error has narrowed significantly.