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Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged Suryakumar Yadav and his team to keep things simple as they head into a crucial T20 World Cup clash against Zimbabwe. He advised the Men in Blue to focus on winning matches before thinking about the net run-rate calculations for the semifinal qualification.
Team India's campaign has reached a tense point after suffering a 76-run defeat against South Africa, which is their biggest defeat margin in the history of the T20 World Cup.
How India can qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal
So now to stay in contention, India needs South Africa to remain unbeaten and must also secure wins against Zimbabwe and the West Indies.
If that does not happen, net run-rate could decide their fate. But realistically, that looks like a steep challenge. The West Indies currently have a net run-rate above +5, while South Africa are above +3. India, on the other hand, India are in the negative. Catching up would require massive victories.
Irfan Pathan's advice to Team India
Speaking on JioStar’s Follow the Blues, Pathan said, “I really hope that approach of playing for net run-rate does not come into play at the start of the game. The priority should be winning the game first. So, perform well and try to win. Only then should you think about the run-rate. If you start thinking about chasing the net run-rate of, say, the West Indies, that is almost impossible. That would mean beating teams like Zimbabwe and the West Indies by a margin of 100 runs, which is not easy in T20 cricket. So, I sincerely hope that when the Indian team plays these next two matches, the main focus is simply on winning first.”
Why is India's team combination questioned?
Apart from the results, India’s team combination has also raised questions. The top order has been packed with left-handers, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma. While Ishan has shown some signs of form, Abhishek has struggled badly, managing just 15 runs in four innings, including three ducks. Tilak has scored 107 runs in five innings, but his strike rate of a little over 118 has not quite matched India’s usual attacking T20 approach. Both Abhishek and Ishan have looked uncomfortable against off-spin bowling.
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Pathan pointed out that Suryakumar Yadav has been slightly cautious with his approach, reflected in his strike rate in the mid-130s. With the top order not providing consistent starts, the captain has perhaps tried to hold things together rather than play freely.
Irfan Pathan backed Suryakumar Yadav
Still, Pathan feels there is room for a change. He believes Suryakumar could move up to number three to bring balance to the batting line-up and break the pattern of three left-handers at the top.
“I think Surya can bat at number three. From the team’s perspective, I understand the conservative approach, especially because Abhishek has been getting out early. In the last game, Ishan Kishan got out in the first over. You do not want to expose Suryakumar Yadav at number three when he is so effective in the middle overs, striking at 160. If something goes wrong with the new ball, just one good delivery can get him out. So, I understand the thinking. However, they still need to consider batting Suryakumar Yadav at number three to break the monotony of having three left-handers at the top.”
When and where will India vs Zimbabwe T20WC clash take place?
The T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and Zimbabwe will take place on February 26 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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