“I am glad” - Ravi Shastri feels India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa ‘was bound to happen’

Former Team India head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri has stated that he was glad that India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa came early in the tournament against one of the strong contenders for the semi-finals, South Africa.

Advertisment

Speaking exclusively on the latest episode of 'ICC Review', Shastri reckoned that the defeat was bound to happen for the Men In Blue after winning 12 consecutive matches in the T20 World Cup games.

"It was not a shock. You know, it was bound to happen. You win 12 matches on the trot, you know, it is bound to happen. You're bound to have an off day. And I'm glad it's come early, you know, against a team that is tipped to make the semifinals in any case. So, it might just be the shake-up India needed. It might also make them rethink their strategy as to the composition of the side going ahead. And, you know, I'm sure they will bounce back. You know, they would have learned from that last experience. You know, they are not going to take things for granted because in this Super 8, you lose one more, then you are really putting yourself under serious pressure. So, you know, I think this was a good shake-up and they will bounce back," Shastri told the ICC Review.

Furthermore, Shastri added that South Africa’s World Test Championship title win has done wonders for the team’s confidence. He went on to state that the Proteas got a good blend of youth and experience, moving into the business end of the campaign. 

"You know, they have got a nice blend of experience and youth there. And the youth is dynamic, so they can change the course of a game at any time, plus I mean, David Miller stepping up, I thought, was a top-class innings, you know, the way he maintained his shape, played his shots. I thought it is a side that after winning that World Test Championship, it has done wonders to their confidence mentally," he added.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!