India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was seen engaging in an intense chat in the dugout with the coaching staff after his team suffered a 76-run drubbing at the hands of South Africa in their opening
match of the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup, in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22.
Veteran South Africa batter David Miller, nearing 37, smashed 63 off 35 deliveries and found strong support from youngster Dewald Brevis, who added 45 off 29. Their stand rescued the innings after India pacers Jasprit Bumrah (3/15 in 4 overs) and Arshdeep Singh (2/28 in 4) had rocked the Proteas early, reducing them to 20/3 inside the first four overs.
India, suffering their first loss in a T20 World Cup since the 2022 semifinal, wore a grim look after the heavy, morale‑sapping defeat. Soon after, Suryakumar was spotted in the dugout in a serious discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir, bowling coach Morne Morkel, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and other members of the support staff.
Watch the video here:
After losing the match against South Africa, Suryakumar Yadav was seen looking quite upset in the dugout. He appeared to be having a serious discussion with Gautam Gambhir and the rest of the support staff. pic.twitter.com/FDgxSGKIN4
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India’s one‑dimensional ‘attack at all costs’ batting approach was laid bare, as the hosts failed their first major test against South Africa and slumped to a 76‑run loss in their opening Super Eights game.
While four wins on the trot in the group stage papered over the visible lacunae, the Indian batters faltered on a sluggish pitch.
The loss, India’s first in a T20 World Cup since their 2022 semifinal defeat to England, has blown the group wide open and turned their next two games, against Zimbabwe on February 26 and West Indies on March 1, into must‑win matches to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
