Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the heavy loss against South Africa might just be the shake-up India needed. India suffered a huge loss of 76 runs against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad in the Super 8 clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.

This loss took a massive hit on India’s NRR, which has put their semifinal qualification in jeopardy. Shastri reckons the ignominious loss against the Proteas will be a wake-up call for Suryakumar Yadav’s team.

The Men in Blue had won their last 12 T20 World Cup matches on the trot but had an off-day against the Rainbow Nation. Aiden Markram’s team was able to outplay the hosts in all three departments of the game after they posted 187 runs on the board whereas India was bowled out for 111. 

None of the Indian batters could show any resistance, barring Shivam Dube, who scored 42 runs off 37 balls.

“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 shake-up India needed,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.

“It might also make them rethink their strategy and the composition of the side going ahead. 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, you’re really putting yourself under serious pressure,” he added.

Shastri further added that India can think of playing both Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in the playing XI.

India will next take on Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Thursday.