T20 World Cup 2026: Was Jasprit Bumrah underused in India’s defeat to South Africa?

India’s Super 8 clash against South Africa exposed tactical concerns that extended beyond their batting collapse. Jasprit Bumrah was outstanding in claiming 3 wickets for 15 runs and removing several important batsmen while continuing to exert pressure over the batting team. However, despite Bumrah's best efforts, South Africa were still able to score a total of 187 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. The middle period of play was instrumental in South Africa dominating India's spin bowling attack and changing the momentum of the game. Even after taking 3 wickets with the new ball, India were unable to assert themselves and were subsequently out of control during the scoring explosion that would determine the fate of this match.

Questions were raised regarding the distribution of Bumrah's overs throughout the innings after he bowled two overs at the beginning of the innings and was held back for some time before bowling again late in the innings. Many commentators believe that this hold up period allowed South Africa to settle into their innings and establish partnerships with one another. If Bumrah had been utilized correctly in the middle overs he may have been successful in breaking up multiple partnerships of the batting team, subsequently disrupting their rhythm and preventing the rapid scoring that occurred thereafter.

The timing of Bumrah's bowling spells has been talked about recently. The usual approach is to save him for the death overs; however, because of the current state of play, India needed to show some flexibility. South Africa's attacking middle order used this quieter spell to score additional runs and put India onto the back foot during a time they were struggling for control. Despite Bumrah's outstanding bowling figures, delaying his return to bowl may have cost India the opportunity of regaining the initiative in a game that had already slipped away from them.

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Could India have used Jasprit Bumrah differently?

Looking back, deploying Bumrah to the middle overs when the partnership was going well would likely have changed the game. His track record of taking wickets when the pressure is on could force South Africa into a more defensive mindset. While it may require shifting death-over responsibilities, it may have reduced their scoring rate and stopped or slowed the direction of the innings. Tactical flexibility in high-stakes contests often leads to decisive outcomes, and this scenario has heightened discussions about India’s bowling philosophy.

Ultimately, this discussion demonstrates the necessity of situational awareness in T20 cricket. Bumrah is India's most successful lightning-fast bowler, and has a long history of being the player who wins matches, but optimal utilisation is critical in tight situations. As qualification scenarios tighten, India must not rely solely on rigid planning. Decisions made in upcoming matches will increasingly require proactive decision-making, and bold uses of the ball, to ensure that India's strongest weapon will be employed at the most critical junctures.