India’s group stage in the T20 World Cup has ended and now the team is eyeing the Super 8 matches. In the next stage, India has to face strong teams like South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe. India has performed as per the image of the defending champion, but experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the team has not yet reached its best level.
‘Ability to win even on an average day’
Analyzing India’s performance in the program ‘Aish Ki Baat’, Ashwin said, ‘Suryakumar played a very intelligent innings. Dubey, Hardik and Rinku were there to increase the run rate. They knew they could handle the scoring rate. But today (against Netherlands) India was not very good in batting, was not even that effective. He further said, ‘This is such a strong team that it can defeat the opposition even on an ordinary day. We were average, not at our best. But Varun Chakraborty bowled so well that Netherlands could not read him. Jasprit Bumrah got swing in the powerplay and also bowled yorkers. According to Ashwin, the biggest strength of the team is that despite weak performance, the team manages to turn the results in its favor.
Special comment on Tilak Verma’s batting
Ashwin also praised young batsman Tilak Verma. Emphasizing the importance of timing and technique in T20 cricket, he said, ‘Tilak Verma is making a comeback after injury. We talk about power and strength, but the real essence of batting is the sweet spot and timing. Tilak is not a big power hitter. Timing and finding the gap is more important for them. He further said, ‘Please remember, you can play like Vaibhav, but you can also play like Tilak, who relies on timing and finding gaps.’ Ashwin believes that big shots alone are not the guarantee of success in T20, but understanding as per the situation is equally important.
Clear picture of Super 8
The Super 8 stage lineup is now complete. Pakistan qualified from Group A with India after registering a win over Namibia. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from Group B, West Indies and England from Group C, while South Africa and New Zealand from Group D have advanced to the next stage. Also, the 12 qualifying teams for the 2028 T20 World Cup have also been decided. All the teams in the Super Eight this year, as well as Australia, have received automatic qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup due to being co-hosts. At the same time, on the basis of ranking, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Ireland are also included.
challenge ahead
Now the real test is before India. Every match in the Super-Eight will be like a knockout. It is clear from Ashwin’s words that there is confidence in the team, but there is also scope for improvement. If India overcomes its weaknesses, its path to defending the title may become stronger.