Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan (ICC Photo) NEW DELHI: After India’s 76-run defeat by South Africa in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar analyzed the team’s batting collapse and challenges ahead, saying Abhishek Sharma had “passed the baton of zeros” to in-form Kishan.India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs while chasing 188 after South Africa posted 187/7. Marco Jansen bowled with 4/22 and Keshav Maharaj took 3/24. Despite Shivam Dube’s fighting 42, India never recovered from the early knocks, with Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma falling cheaply.
Indian fans in Ahmedabad react to loss vs South Africa | T20 World Cup
Pointing out the unusual situation facing India’s top order, Nayar criticized the openers’ performance against the Proteas.“It’s going to be a very uncomfortable discussion between Ishan Kishan and Abhishek about who will bat because he has suddenly handed over the baton of no-hitters to Ishan Kishan, someone who has been in top form. But that’s a problem for India,” Nayar told JioStar.He also talked about the technical problems that come with quality off-spin and emphasized the need for better planning in the upcoming matches.“There will definitely be a discussion about how they can beat their off-spin bowling, because remember when they play the West Indies as well, Roston Chase will play them a power game. So they will want to come back with better plans,” said Nayar.“With the newer ball, if you hit the seam sometimes like a finger spinner, you can get that extra bounce and that’s the tricky part. If it’s a bit slower in the air, as we saw there, and the ball hits the seam and even goes a little bit, in T20 cricket that’s enough to get you out because it creates doubt and can give you a bounce.”Nayar’s remarks highlight India’s urgency to fit in a quality spin as they look to revive their semi-final hopes in the Super Eights.
