The Indian cricket team had a disappointing start in the Super-8 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, suffering a 76-run loss to South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing a target of 188, India faltered dramatically, scoring only 111 runs, which has become a bitter reality check for the team. Early in the match, Aiden Markram dismissed Ishan Kishan, giving India its first blow, which set an unsettling tone for the innings.

Tilak Verma, expected to stabilize the innings coming in at number three with the required run rate still under ten, instead opted for an aggressive approach. This decision backfired when he attempted a big shot against Marco Jansen in the second over, ultimately leading to his dismissal for just one run after catching a ball from wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. Verma's performance prompted significant scrutiny, especially as he failed to meet the expectations placed on him at such a critical time.

The rapid loss of wickets continued, and the Indian team could not complete their 20 overs, raising alarms among fans and analysts alike. Former captain and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar openly criticized Verma's batting, emphasizing that while the target was challenging, there were ways to approach the innings more strategically. This loss has serious implications for India's campaign in the tournament and raises questions about the team's selection and batting strategies in high-pressure games.