Former cricketer Murali Kartik questioned Team India’s desire and commitment after their mammoth 76-run loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage. The Men in Blue were outplayed across all three departments to record a shocking defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on Sunday, February 22.

After being put into field first, Team India had the perfect start after reducing the Proteas to 20-3. However, they lost their grip in the contest following a game-changing partnership between Dewald Brevis and David Miller. While Jasprit Bumrah dragged the hosts back into the match, a late flourish by Tristan Stubbs propelled the score to 187.

In reply, Team India crumbled in the run chase, losing wickets at regular intervals, including three in the powerplay. The innings only took a turn for the worse in the middle overs as the meek response resulted in the team getting bowled out for just 111 with seven balls remaining.

Murali Kartik recalled how dejected the Indian contingent looked on and off the field, largely due to the mammoth margin of the loss.

“The margin will hurt India. Wins and losses keep on happening, but the way India lost today brings out a lot of questions. Was the fight there? Was the game plan right? Today, we saw despair in the dressing room, because this has hurt India,” Murali Kartik said on Cricbuzz.

“India will be concerned; you can say this is a jolt. Only time will tell if such a massive loss will affect India’s campaign or not. This is a demoralising loss. Since Ishan Kishan has made his return to the team, this is his first poor shot. It was way too soon to play that shot. His shot selection has usually been good, but today it was quite bad,” he added.

This marks India’s first loss in a T20 World Cup since their infamous 10-wicket loss to England in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition at the Adelaide Oval.

“I don’t think this loss sets India back in terms of qualifying” – Mohit Sharma on the consequences of the IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 match result

Former India pacer Mohit Sharma remained optimistic of India’s chances for the semi-finals despite the crushing loss to the Proteas to kick-start their Super 8 stage. He retained faith in the team since they have played some exceptional, consistent cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“I don’t think this loss makes things too difficult. I don’t think this loss sets India back in terms of qualifying. We have gone through these situations before as well, we have lost matches, but we know how to bounce back well. This is the same team that has been playing some incredible cricket over the last 2 years,” Mohit Sharma said.

Team India are next scheduled to face Zimbabwe in a must-win clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, on Thursday, February 26. The defending champions are also drawn with the West Indies in their Super 8 group.