Team India suggested 'one department where they want to improve' ahead of T20 World Cup Super 8 tie vs South Africa

Team India have started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in a memorable way, winning all their group stage matches. As the tournament now moves into the Super Eights stage, the real test begins. They will take on South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday, and a win there could put them firmly on track for a semi-final spot.

India's T20 World Cup performance

Former India coach Sanjay Bangar described the team’s start as “steady”, though he admitted it hasn’t been as dominant as many fans expected.

ALSO READ: 'Strike rate in the power play...': Mike Hesson breaks silence on Babar Azam’s surprise batting order demotion

In the opening match against the USA, India’s top order collapsed early, but captain Suryakumar Yadav played a brilliant innings to guide the team to victory. Against Namibia, India looked ready to post a massive total, only to lose wickets quickly and slow down towards the end.

ALSO READ: Keshav Maharaj rewarded with captaincy as South Africa announces T20I squad ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

The match against Pakistan followed a similar script. Ishan Kishan gave the team a flying start, and later the bowlers stepped up with an outstanding performance to seal a 61-run win.

Throughout the group stage, different players have taken responsibility at different times. In the final Group A match against the Netherlands, Shivam Dube smashed a quick half-century from number five, helping India recover after another shaky start.

Bangar on India's performance

“It’s been a steady start – not quite the kind we were expecting because the expectations were sky-high. India not necessarily bulldozing opponents can make it seem as though they have been slightly under par. However, the good thing is that their best is yet to come," Bangar said on JioHotstar.

He also pointed out a positive that every player in the squad has had a chance to play so far, which could prove useful later in the tournament if injuries occur.

“Another positive is that all the players have had a chance to feature in the playing XI, which augurs well in case there are any injury concerns later in the tournament. All the players are match-ready," he added.

Bangar believes this is an area that needs improvement

However, there is one concern that has come back in the last two matches, fielding, especially catching. After being flawless in the first two games, India dropped as many as six catches in the next two matches. It is an issue the team has struggled with before.

“If there is one department where they would want to improve, it would be catching, because we saw a few chances being dropped against Pakistan and the Netherlands," he said.