India’s Super 8 campaign began with a reality check in Ahmedabad, and Sunil Gavaskar did not mince words about Tilak Varma’s approach in the defeat to South Africa. The former India captain said he was disappointed with the left-hander’s shot selection in a chase that still allowed room for patience.
India’s unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup 2026 ended with a heavy loss as South Africa posted 187 for 7 and bowled the hosts out for 111. In a chase of 188, early wickets once again hurt India, and Tilak’s brief stay in the middle added to the concerns around the top order.
Tilak walked in early after Aiden Markram dismissed Ishan Kishan in the first over. With the asking rate under 10 an over, there was time to settle. Instead, the left-hander tried to take on Marco Jansen from the outset, stepping down the track in the second over and edging behind to Quinton de Kock for just one.
Speaking on Star Sports after the match, Gavaskar questioned the decision to attack so soon.
“Yes, I think he’s been a very street-smart batter. I was a little disappointed with his approach today because, look, a wicket had already fallen. Yes, the required rate was 9.5 runs an over, but it wasn’t like you were chasing 15 runs an over,” Gavaskar said.
“So you could have given yourself a little more time, particularly because at the other end, Abhishek Sharma hadn’t got runs. Therefore, the responsibility was yours to try and stick around with Abhishek and build a partnership, get past those six overs. With a wicket gone, you don’t have to get to 70. Even 55 would have been a good sort of platform,” he added.
HOW HAS TILAK VARMA PLAYED IN THIS WORLD CUP?
Across five matches in T20 World Cup 2026, he has scored 107 runs at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate of 118.88. While he has had starts in the group stage, the tempo has not matched his usual T20 standards.
This is in sharp contrast to his overall record against South Africa. Prior to this game, Tilak had scored 496 runs in 10 T20Is against the Proteas at an average of 70.85 and a strike rate of 163.15, including two centuries and two fifties. Those numbers suggested a favourable match-up, but Sunday’s outing did not reflect that dominance.
With India’s top order struggling for consistency, the No. 3 role carries added weight. Against South Africa, the opportunity to anchor and build a partnership slipped quickly.
WILL SANJU REPLACE TILAK?
Selection questions are now inevitable.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted that Sanju Samson could return to the playing XI amid the recurring opening issues. Samson featured against Namibia and made a brisk 22 off 8 balls, showing intent at the top before getting out.
With India set to face West Indies and Zimbabwe next in the Super 8s, team management may consider changes to regain balance and momentum. Whether that means shifting roles or bringing Samson back remains to be seen.
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