India's T20 World Cup campaign took a major hit with a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa on February 22, 2026, in Ahmedabad. Chasing 188, the team
was bundled out for 111, ending a 12-match unbeaten streak in the tournament.
South Africa posted 187/7, powered by David Miller's 63 off 35 balls, while Marco Jansen (4/22) and Keshav Maharaj (3/24) dismantled India's batting. This loss dropped India's net run rate significantly and left them struggling in Super 8 Group 1.
The squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav and featuring openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, middle-order options like Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube, plus all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, has bowling strength in Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Yet the batting collapse has reignited debate over missing players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer.
Are India missing Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer?
Jaiswal, a explosive left-handed opener, was overlooked despite strong domestic form, including 559 runs in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 159.71. In T20Is, he boasts over 700 runs at a strike rate above 165. His powerplay aggression could have countered South Africa's seamers early, where India's top order faltered badly.
Iyer, with his ability to anchor and accelerate, also missed out. His IPL 2025 performance-604 runs at a strike rate of 175-made many expect inclusion, but selectors prioritized squad balance with wicketkeepers and versatile all-rounders. Iyer's middle-order stability might have prevented the dramatic collapse against spin and pace in the chase.
The likes of Abhishek Sharma at the top has struggled with just 15 runs in four matches, while Rinku Singh or Washington Sundar with the bat have made no such significant contributions so far.
The team still has matches ahead, including against Zimbabwe and West Indies, offering a chance to recover. Strong group-stage performances earlier showed potential, with Suryakumar's captaincy and Bumrah's bowling as key strengths.
However, the top-order fragility and middle-order inconsistency exposed in the South Africa game suggest the absence of Jaiswal's flair and Iyer's composure could prove costly in high-pressure games. Selectors aimed for depth and flexibility, but in crunch moments, pure batting firepower appears lacking.
As the tournament progresses toward the March 8 final, India's path to defending the title remains open but challenging.
