Watch: “Now rest him” — Former DC coach makes bold statement on Abhishek Sharma ahead of IND vs ZIM Super 8 match

India suffered a 76-run defeat against South Africa in their first Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup 2026. The defending champions were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs while chasing a target of 188 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. This loss ended India’s 12-match winning streak in T20 World Cups. The Men in Blue had not lost a match in the tournament since their semi-final defeat in the 2022 edition.

Speaking about the defeat, former Indian player Mohammad Kaif said that the long winning run came under a different team management. At that time, Rohit Sharma was the captain and Rahul Dravid was the head coach. Kaif said the current record that has now ended was built by that earlier leadership group. He also said that the present team management should not hesitate to make changes in the playing XI. According to him, decisions should be based on form, not on a player’s reputation or status.

“The fact that you are saying we are losing in the World Cup after a long time, we have to consider that the majority of the winning run, the management was completely different. Then Dravid was the coach, and Rohit was the captain. So whatever record or streak that has been broken now, it was made by someone else,” Mohammad Kaif said on ABP News.

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Kaif Calls for Changes After India’s Defeat

“Firstly, whichever batter is out of form, give them a break. This is a T20 World Cup, not a bilateral. It is not like it is a bilateral, and you can keep playing until you get back your form. This is a World Cup, a do-or-die match. Abhishek Sharma is not in form. You gave him three matches, and even a fourth one, now rest him,” he continued.

At this point, Mohammad Kaif was explaining the need to add a right-handed batter like Sanju Samson to break the left-handed pattern in the team. However, he was interrupted by another panellist. Kaif tried to continue speaking and raised his voice, but he was cut off. He looked clearly upset after that moment.

India’s problems have started from the top order. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma have not scored many runs in the tournament so far. Although Abhishek finally ended his run of three ducks, he managed only 15 runs off 12 balls against South Africa.

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“We Are Still Very Far From Winning the World Cup”

Mohammad Kaif also questioned the team combination. He said India does not have the right balance in bowling and all-round options. Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar bowled four overs together as support bowlers. They gave away 49 runs and took only one wicket.

“They have not made this team properly. We don't have proper bowlers and all-rounders. If Shivam Dube is your sixth bowler, and Washington Sundar, who does not play often, is your fifth bowler, then I am sorry, we are still very far from winning the World Cup,” Mohammad Kaif said.

Team India will now play against Zimbabwe in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. The match will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, February 26. It is a do-or-die game for India.