India captain Suryakumar Yadav (AP Photo) India’s 76-run defeat by South Africa exposed tactical flaws, selection difficulties and lapses in execution. Here are some key fixes that can make…REMOVE THE ORDER LEFT-HEAVY MOUNTBreak the three left-hander group at the top, which has also been used by part-time offspinners like Aiden Markram and Salman Agha. Bring the right-hander into the starting position or at No. 3 to force the opposition to rethink matchups.
Long hits for Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma
RECALL AXAR PATELAThe absence of a named vice-captain was felt against South Africa. Axar’s ability to beat defensive lines in the Powerplay or suppress runs in the middle overs can provide the control India lacked in Ahmedabad. Also adds depth to the lower order with the bat.FIX POWERPLAY ACCESSPowerball hitting lacked clarity. The pressure for an early score was enabled. Mindless thrashing did not bear fruit. Balance intent and sanity with smart shot selection. Attack favorable matchups and improve your shot rotation to avoid ball pressure.RETHINK HARDIK’S BOWLING ROLEMake sure Hardik Pandya completes his quota of overs before the 16th and use Bumrah and Arshdeep as death-overs specialists. Hardik should either operate with the new ball or as a middle ball enforcer. He ran away with runs more often in the death overs, like against SA when he conceded 20 in the final.EMBRACE TUNNEL VISIONA ‘knives-are-out’ atmosphere can lead to panic in the camp. The “favorite” label has turned into a burden. Focusing on one ball at a time could prevent another implosion.
