23 February,2026 07:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ravichandran Ashwin, Rinku Singh (Pic: File Pic)
Team India suffered a loss by 76 runs in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa.
Following the loss, former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin said that a batsman like Rinku Singh cannot come to bat at number eight. He also stated that the "Men in Blue" were unprepared for South Africa's clash.
"If you have eight batters and one of them is Rinku Singh, he cannot be coming in at eight. No disrespect to Sundar. He is a fabulous batter. We know his batting skills. But for a starter, South Africa has given us a lesson that please do not come underprepared for such games. We were underprepared," he said.
The former cricketer said that Rinku should have come to bat at number five. He then said that expecting Sundar to deliver performance at number five in a high-pressure match was too much to ask for.
"I would have loved to see Rinku Singh walking in at five. I think they were looking at Washi as a like-for-like replacement for Axar. But experience counts for something, someone who has been there and done it. Axar has been there, handled pressure, and done it. Number five in such a high-pressure game was too much to ask of Washi. Rinku was at eight, and the game was already done. There was no use of his coming and batting there. We have taken a slight hit. We have to be a little sensible," said Ashwin.
Speaking about the upcoming matches, Ashwin feels the opposition will look to put the "Men in Blue" in a chasing situation, which will be the biggest challenge.
"Going forward, most teams will want India to chase. That is the biggest challenge if teams come planned well," he said.
Team India's loss of 76 runs against South Africa has tightened their qualification scenarios for the semi-finals of the global showpiece. The "Men in Blue" will have to win the remaining two games with a good net run rate to keep their hopes of defending the T20 World Cup alive.
They will now lock horns with Zimbabwe on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
(With ANI Inputs)
