“We lost tactically” - Ravi Ashwin reveals India’s tactical mistake against South Africa

Former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin has opened up about a tactical mistake by the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, as they suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa in their Super 8 clash at the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin asserted that by the time Washington Sundar came out to bowl, South Africa lost both their left-handed batters, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. Moreover, David Miller scored him at 11 runs in an over.

"We lost tactically. If you played Sundar, you had to use him against the left-handers. Both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton got out early. Against Miller, he went for 11 runs in an over. It can happen. He is not playing consistently. Then you took him out of the attack, and we could not use one spinner at all," Ravi Ashwin said on Ash ki Baat.

Furthermore, Ashwin heaped praise on the Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who scalped three important wickets and conceded 15 runs in his four-over spell, while all other bowlers had an off-day with the ball.

"If you have a bowler who is giving just 15 runs in four overs and picking three wickets, what more cheat code do you need than this? We are all extremely lucky to witness greatness live. We always forget greatness and then recognise it only after retirement," he added.

Moreover, the former Indian spinner has said he isn’t too bothered by India’s negative Net Run Rate of -3.8, adding that the Indian team should prioritize winning their two games rather than worrying too much about the NRR.

"I wouldn't be too bothered about the net run rate. We have to win two out of two games. We need to respect the conditions a bit. Take some time and bat. This team is a young team; they need to handle pressure better. We have Hardik and Rinku. Build a platform for them by stitching partnerships. There is no need to be in a hurry," he said.

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