India are firing on all cylinders in the nets ahead of the match against South Africa
While Afghanistan missed out on the Super 8s from arguably the toughest group in the tournament. Last year’s finalists South Africa, who dominated it with four wins from four matches, and New Zealand appeared in Group D. The Rashid Khan-led side will rue the double Super Over defeat against the Proteas – arguably the most thrilling match of the group stage – as they had chances both during the base stage and the Super Over.Despite having three associated countries, the matches in Group C were memorable and historic. West Indies and England advanced to the Super 8s as expected, but group debutants Italy won their first match against Nepal. With the win over Scotland, Nepal also ended their long tournament without a win. Scotland, who later chipped in after Bangladesh opted to withdraw, also returned home with a win.But arguably the easiest group was Group A, especially for defending champions and co-hosts India. India were not dominant throughout the group stage but were quite comfortable and their unbeatenness despite not being the best and the highest net run count (+2,500) across the groups showed that there was no competition for them at this stage.Traditionally the most watched rivalry between India and Pakistan has generated hype and “dramatized” tension. But it was no contest from the start and India, who went to Colombo to play the game, had no trouble outscoring their arch-rivals by 61 runs. Having three affiliate teams apart from Pakistan meant that it was almost a ‘catwalk’ for India to the Super 8s. There were a few jitters against the USA and the Netherlands, but they never looked out of control.So, in a real sense, the Super 8s will be the right solution for India in defending the title.The seedings for the Super 8s were already decided in advance, and apart from Zimbabwe’s dream run of underdogs, there were no surprises. But by the time the group stage ended, with Australia winning their final game against Oman and flying back down, there were question marks over the pre-matches.This was because Group 1, which includes India, has all the teams entering the next round unbeaten and topping the group. India, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe topped their groups to remain unbeaten. So all the in-form teams are in Group 1 and only two will advance to the semi-finals. While Group 2 contains the teams that finished second — New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.So in terms of form and confidence, India now have the toughest possible opponents in the Super 8s. They all come into the next round with much tougher matches than India, who are yet to reach their prime – and that is a big worry for the champions.There is now a 50-50 chance of India peaking at the right time or struggling to match their battle-hardened opponents.India’s biggest worriesIndia have several glaring issues ahead of the Super 8 stage and the biggest one is the form of opener and current No.1 T20I batsman Abhishek Sharma, who scored a hat-trick of ducks. The 25-year-old is yet to open his account in his first ICC tournament.The team management remains confident saying that Abhishek is hitting the nets well and is just one good shot away from regaining his form and confidence. The team and over a billion Indian fans will be hoping that Abhishek, who has traumatized the bowlers in the last two years, will do well in business life. Some even compared his matches with Virat Kohli in the last edition and hoped that just like Kohli who won the Player of the Match in the final, Abhishek would click when needed the most. Looking at his career so far, there is reason to be hopeful.Another big problem remains hunting in the field, especially trapping. India are among the worst catching teams in the tournament so far and against well-prepared teams in this group, missed chances can be very costly.What awaits India in the Super 8sSouth AfricaIndia begin their Super 8 campaign against the Proteas on Sunday (February 22) in Ahmedabad — a rematch of the 2024 final. It will be India’s biggest hurdle in their title defence.South Africa are based in Ahmedabad and have played three group matches there, making them much more familiar with the conditions than India, who only played their last group match there.The venue has produced high-scoring games and the Proteas have shown versatility – defending over 200, winning a double Super Over thriller and setting up a commanding chase against New Zealand. India secured a high-profile win there against the Netherlands, but only by 17 runs, not as commanding as South Africa’s win.India will need the batting, bowling and fielding to come together immediately as the road ahead is only going to get tougher.ZimbabweOn paper, Zimbabwe is the weakest opponent. But their momentum and giant killing spree – beating Australia and Sri Lanka – make them extremely dangerous.It would be foolish to consider Zimbabwe an easy two points. Their three group wins were comfortable, not scrappy. After defending a competitive total, they beat Australia by 23 runs and chased down 179 with ease against Sri Lanka.India should be careful. However, Zimbabwe now travel to Chennai after playing in Sri Lanka. Although the conditions are somewhat similar, it remains a new field for them. India too will be playing their first match there, but as hosts they should have a better understanding.Zimbabwe’s first result in the Super 8 and India’s clash with South Africa could decide the pace of their encounter.West IndiesIndia face the West Indies on March 1 in their final Super 8 match. By then, the qualifying scenarios will be clearer and the match could become do-or-die.West Indies were in great form. They have already played matches in Mumbai and Kolkata and the Eden Gardens surface will be familiar territory. Meanwhile, India will be playing there for the first time.This bounce gives the opponents a slight advantage, though it remains India’s home conditions.West Indies are always dangerous in this format and have a history of trophy success in India, including lifting the title at the Eden Gardens itself.It won’t be easy.The real test begins nowIndia cruised through the group stage without kicking into high gear. But the Super 8s present a completely different challenge – battle-hardened opponents, high-pressure matches and no easy wins.This phase will define India’s title defence.It’s going to be a rough ride. But if India manage to slip through this group, they will not only stay on course for another trophy but also prove their championship pedigree once again.