India captain Suryakumar Yadav felt his team began well against South Africa in their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, but admitted they fell short with the bat. South Africa won the game by 76 runs, moving a step closer to a semifinal spot.
After the loss, Suryakumar openly said that India’s batting in the power play hurt them badly. The team lost three early wickets, which put them on the back foot. Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a duck, while Abhishek Sharma finally scored his first runs of the tournament after three straight ducks, but was out for 15 after a brilliant catch. Tilak Varma also couldn’t contribute much, scoring just one run.
Suryakumar Yadav on India's defeat vs South Africa
Speaking after the match, Suryakumar said the team was very much in the contest at the start. He praised the bowlers for doing a good job early on and for fighting back after South Africa built momentum between the seventh and 15th overs. However, he admitted that the batting unit could have done much better.
"We were always in the game when we started. Bowled really well in the beginning. From 7-15, they batted really well and then we come back. Bowled really well but could have batted better. Sometimes, you have to think you cannot win the game in the powerplay but you can lose it. Did not have the partnerships we needed. Part of the game. We will learn from it. Sit back and bounce back" said Suryakumar Yadav in post match presentation.
Suryakumar Yadav on India's future plans
While asked about India's plans for the next clash, Suryakumar Yadav also added that the team will not change anything in their approach.
"Everyone knows their combination has been lethal. Both bowled eight overs, picked five wickets and gave up 45-50 runs. They bowl well in partnerships. And good to have them in our side. (On plans for the next game in Chennai) Hopefully bat well, bowl well and field well. Keep it simple. That is what we will try to do" added SKY.
India will now face Zimbabwe in their next T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash which will take place in Chennai at MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 22.