India Must Change Approach to Stay Alive in Tournament: Sunil Gavaskar

Team India faced a disappointing defeat against South Africa in a crucial Super 8 encounter. Young batter Abhishek Sharma, who had registered ducks in his previous three matches, finally opened his account in the tournament but managed only 15 runs, leaving fans disappointed once again. Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised the South African bowlers for executing smart strategies, stating that they restricted Abhishek effectively by targeting his weaknesses and preventing him from playing freely under pressure.

Gavaskar explained that match pressure differs greatly from net practice, often restricting a batter’s natural game. He also criticised India’s poor shot selection, pointing out how South African batters like David Miller and Dewald Brevis adapted to conditions better. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma’s dismissal for just one run drew sharp criticism, with Gavaskar suggesting that the youngster should have taken time to settle and build a partnership instead of playing aggressively. He emphasised that India must change its on-field attitude and decision-making if it hopes to reach the semi-finals.