Axar Patel with teammates. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s crushing defeat to South Africa may have dented their semi-finals hopes, but former head coach Ravi Shastri believes the setback could be the “shake-up” the title favourites desperately needed — provided they respond immediately.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking ahead of the must-win Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe, Shastri warned that another slip could push India to the brink of elimination.“You win 12 matches on the trot, there’s bound to be an off day. And I’m glad it has come early. It might just be the shakeup India needed,” Shastri said. “It might also make them rethink their strategy as to the composition of the side going ahead.”

India’s 76-run loss ended a dominant run and left them with no margin for error. Shastri made it clear that the team must quickly learn and adapt.“They would have learned from that last experience that they’re not going to take things for granted because in this Super Eight if you lose one more match, then you’re really putting yourself under serious pressure,” he cautioned.ALSO READ: What India must do to stay alive at T20 World CupAxar Patel’s return key to revivalShastri stressed that India must urgently strengthen their bowling options, calling for the immediate return of vice-captain Axar Patel.

“They have to bring him back. You need that experience. I would say play both,” he said, referring to Axar and Washington Sundar. “Give yourself that extra option. Because on a given day, you’re bound to have one bowler who’s going to have an off day.”He also dismissed concerns about batting depth if Axar returns.“If eight batters can’t do the job in T20 cricket, then something’s wrong, especially with that kind of firepower,” Shastri said. “Where you’re missing out is you’re not giving yourself that extra option of a bowler, which I think is important.”For India, the equation is simple now. The warning signs have arrived. The shake-up has happened. Their semi-final fate will depend on how quickly they respond.

Shoaib Akhtar slams Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar slammed India’s bowling attack after their heavy 76-run loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match. He said the defeat exposed how fragile India’s bowling unit is, especially against strong batting line-ups like the Proteas.Akhtar was particularly critical of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, who gave away 67 runs in six overs for just one wicket. He felt they lacked pace and intimidation, and that using them in the death overs was a tactical mistake.

“Hardik and Shivam Dube were bowling at around 120 kmph. It’s not as if they are Malcolm Marshall — someone who would intimidate a batting line-up of South Africa’s calibre. If you deploy them in the death overs, such a counterattack from the Proteas is inevitable,” he said on Tapmad.He also pointed out that India’s bowling looked vulnerable overall, with South African batters dominating even the team’s key bowlers. Akhtar highlighted Varun Chakaravarthy’s expensive spell, saying his usual pace was down and that he was punished by the batters. “Indian bowling has been exposed. If you look at Varun, whose strength is bowling at 97-98 kmph, he was clocking 94. And when he came into the attack, he was hit for a no-look six by Dewald Brevis,” he added.Akhtar suggested that India should bring Kuldeep Yadav into the team, calling him the “missing link” who can trick batters and take wickets at crucial moments. “The missing link here is Kuldeep Yadav. He is someone who can deceive batters in the air and pick up wickets when needed. He is a proven match-winner.”He also felt that Varun Chakaravarthy and Washington Sundar offer similar skills, making India’s bowling attack predictable and easier for top teams to attack.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are seen during a practice session in Ahmedabad
| Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji

Morne Morkel and Albie Morkel (IANS Phoro)

NEW DELHI: When India take on South Africa in their opening Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, the spotlight will not only be on the players but also on an extraordinary family duel unfolding behind the scenes.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!For the first time on such a stage, brothers Morne Morkel and Albie Morkel will stand in rival camps, serving as India’s bowling coach and South Africa’s consultant respectively, each tasked with plotting the other’s downfall in a high-stakes rematch of the 2024 final.

In a video shared by the BCCI, Albie summed up his mission with a smile and a warning. “Specialist consultant is a mouthful. In short, I have to figure out ways to beat Team India on Sunday. That’s it,” he said. “We actually coached together in our first stint; that’s where I shaped him to be a very good bowling coach. Showed him how to do it.”Morne acknowledged the intense expectations that come with his role but stressed the strength of India’s support system. “As a bowling coach, there’s always a lot of pressure on you. But we’re quite lucky that in our group, there’s a lot of experience… people that can assist and help you in that mental load,” he said.Despite the personal connection, both brothers made it clear that sentiment will not dilute their professional focus. “He works for India, I work for South Africa, and we both have the same goal — to win that game on Sunday,” Albie said. “The family will do the banter. We’re very calm and professional.”Their rivalry, however, dates back to childhood. “Most of the backyard games ended up in either argument or tears,” Albie laughed. “I remember him crying a lot because he was the youngest.”Both sides enter the contest unbeaten, raising the stakes further.