Axar Patel with teammates. (AP photo) NEW DELHI: India’s crushing defeat to South Africa may have dented their semi-final hopes, but former head coach Ravi Shastri believes the setback could be the “jolt” the title favorites desperately needed – provided they respond immediately.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Ahead of the must-win Super 8 match against Zimbabwe, Shastri warned that another slip could push India to the brink of elimination.“You win 12 matches on the trot, it’s definitely going to be an off day. And I’m glad it came early. It might just be the jolt India need,” Shastri said. “It could also make them rethink their strategy in terms of the composition of the future party.”
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India’s 76-run loss ended a dominant run and left them no margin for error. Shastri made it clear that the team needs to learn and adapt quickly.“They would learn from that last experience not to take things for granted because if you lose one more game in this Super Eight, you put yourself under a lot of pressure,” he warned.READ ALSO: What India need to do to stay alive in T20 World CupAxar Patel’s comeback key to revivalShastri stressed that India urgently needed to strengthen its bowling options and called for the immediate return of vice-captain Axar Patel.
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What should be India’s top priority after losing in South Africa?
“They have to bring him back. You need that experience. I’d say play both,” he said, referring to Axara and Washington Sundar. “Give yourself that extra option. Because on any given day, you’re going to have one pitcher that’s going to have an off day.”He also dismissed concerns about batting depth if Axar returns.“If eight batsmen can’t do the job in T20 cricket, then there is something wrong, especially with this kind of firepower,” Shastri said. “You’re missing out by not giving yourself an extra pitcher option, which I think is important.For India, the equation is now simple. The warning signs have arrived. The shock occurred. Their semi-final fate will depend on how quickly they respond.
