The Indian team has lost only one match in the 2026 T20 World Cup, but this defeat has made its path difficult to reach the semi-finals. After the defeat against South Africa in Super-8, former head coach Ravi Shastri has given a big statement. Ravi Shastri believes that the defeat against South Africa has been an alarm bell for India. Now he will have to decide again on the team combination.

Team India’s former head coach Ravi Shastri said in the ICC review, “If you win 12 consecutive matches, a bad day was bound to come, but I am happy that it came early. This was a necessary alarm bell for India. Due to this, the team will now have to rethink the strategy and combination. They must have learned from the past experience that things should not be taken lightly. Losing another match will create a lot of pressure.”

Now Akshar Patel will have to be brought back – Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri also gave a special advice to Team India. He said, “Now Axar Patel will have to be brought back. You need his experience. I would say that both Axar Patel and Washington Sundar can play, because some day some bowler will be in bad form. Like Varun Chakraborty was on Sunday.”

He further said, “If Akshar Patel plays, he will bat at number eight. Hardik Pandya is at number five and Shivam Dubey at number six. If Sundar is at number seven, Akshar can also come at number five. If even eight batsmen are not able to bat in T20 cricket, then something is wrong. In such a situation, the option of an additional bowler is important.”

India faces Zimbabwe on 26th February

Now India’s match is with Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup. This match will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chepauk pitch is helpful for spinners. In such a situation, Team India can enter this match with three spinners. India will have to win this match at any cost and will have to win by a big margin.