T20 World Cup 2026: Ravi Shastri proposes tactical shake-up in India’s playing XI for Super 8 game against Zimbabwe

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With India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign hanging in the balance, former head coach Ravi Shastri has suggested a bold tactical rethink for the upcoming Super 8 encounter against Zimbabwe. After the heavy defeat to South Africa, Shastri believes India must strengthen their bowling resources — even if it means sacrificing a specialist batter like Rinku Singh.

India are in a must-win situation, and according to Shastri, flexibility and depth in bowling could make the difference between survival and elimination.

Speaking to the ICC, Shastri emphasized the importance of having an additional bowling option in T20 cricket, particularly in high-pressure matches.

“I would say play both. Give yourself that extra option because on a given day, you’re bound to have one bowler who’s going to have an off-day,” Shastri explained.

His remarks were in reference to India’s spin department, particularly after Varun Chakaravarthy struggled to make an impact against South Africa. The mystery spinner was not at his best and ended up conceding crucial runs — something Shastri believes could have been mitigated with stronger bowling cover.

In modern T20 cricket, where margins are razor-thin, one bowler having an off day can tilt the entire contest. Shastri’s solution is simple: build insurance into the playing XI.

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However, adding an extra bowler comes at a cost. Shastri hinted that Rinku might have to sit out if India choose to strengthen their bowling attack.

“Which means Rinku Singh might have to miss out. But if he has to come in, he has to come in place of a specialist batter,” Shastri stated.

India’s middle order already boasts significant firepower with Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar likely occupying the No. 5, 6, and 7 slots. With Axar Patel also capable of batting higher up the order, Shastri believes India already possess enough depth in their batting lineup.

“If Axar Patel is playing, he might be batting at 8. You’ve got Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar at 5, 6, and 7. And Axar can go at 5 as well. Now, if eight batters can’t do the job in T20 cricket, then you know something is wrong,” he added.

His message was clear — India’s issue is not lack of batting power, but insufficient bowling options.

India’s defeat to South Africa exposed cracks in both bowling execution and tactical balance. With a poor Net Run Rate and zero points in the Super 8 stage, the margin for error is virtually non-existent. Zimbabwe could play fearless cricket without scoreboard pressure. That unpredictability makes tactical preparation even more crucial.

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