India’s 12-match winning streak at the T20 World Cup came to a jarring halt with a 76-run defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad, prompting sharp criticism from former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, who pointed to a lack of team unity and questionable selection as the core issues.
A “Gelling” Problem
Speaking on Geo News’ programme “Harna Mana Hai,” Shehzad stated that the current Indian squad lacks the cohesion seen in previous eras. “This team does not look like it is gelling. That unity they possessed during Rohit and Virat’s time—which was their strength—is not visible right now, which is why they have lost so badly,” he said.
Bowling Attack and Captaincy Under Scrutiny
Shehzad highlighted strategic flaws, particularly in the bowling department. He questioned the reliance on part-time bowler Shivam Dube, a tactic he attributed to the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav and team strategist Gautam Gambhir. “They are forced to bowl Dube’s overs. So, this strategy of Gautam Gambhir and Surya Kumar —I just don’t understand it,” Shehzad remarked.
He also criticized the captain’s demeanor during the onslaught, suggesting it reflected a broader panic. “Look at Surya Kumar Yadav; he is the captain, and yet his hands were up [he looked helpless]. As the sixes were being hit, Surya was sinking right along with them.”
Gambhir’s Selection Strategy Questioned
Shehzad directly linked the team’s composition to Gambhir’s influence, predicting such a lineup would struggle against top-tier opposition. “This team has been selected by Gautam Gambhir. Somewhere or another, against a strong team, this combination will struggle, and today they have been exposed.”
With the heavy loss putting India’s campaign under pressure, Shehzad ominously noted their next challenge: a match against Zimbabwe, following a defeat he described as coming from a “weak” team.
