During the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, on February 22, Team India faced South Africa, with millions of fans expecting a victory. However, the match proved to be a one-sided affair as the South African team defeated India by 76 runs. India started with the target of 188 runs, but throughout their innings, no batsman played up to the expectations needed for the challenge ahead. The pitch conditions, including the black soil, lack of dew, and the strong grip of the ball, made it a test of patience and understanding for the players.

In this critical match, the absence of former captain Virat Kohli was keenly felt by Team India. Kohli is celebrated for his exceptional record in white-ball cricket, and discussions comparing him to legends like Sachin Tendulkar never seem to end. However, when it comes to run chases, Kohli's effectiveness and capability are undisputed and held in high regard. His experience and finesse in crucial situations have often led the team to success, especially in high-pressure matches such as this one.

Historically in T20 World Cup matches, Team India has only successfully chased targets over 160 runs three times. Notably, in all three of those instances, Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory. This match highlighted not only the team's shortcomings but also the need for a reliable chase master, especially in pivotal games like the World Cup, indicating that the team's reliance on Kohli's batting prowess is significant.