India have done what defending champions are expected to do. Four games, four wins, no drama on the points table. The group stage is complete and the Super 8 now brings a different level of examination. South Africa, last edition’s runners-up, wait. So do the West Indies and Zimbabwe. The margins will tighten and India need to bring out their A-game, something that they have failed in bringing up against lesser-known sides.
Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on Ash ki Baat, praised the India’s control but did not pretend everything was flawless. The Netherlands game, in particular, was efficient without being emphatic. Suryakumar Yadav paced the innings carefully, knowing the firepower of Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh was held back for the surge.
“Surya played a very diligent knock,” Ashwin said. “India weren’t extremely good with the bat. They were below par, not at their best. But this is such a solid team that even on an ordinary day, they can put you away.”
Ashwin’s take on India
He also pointed to the bowling as the difference. Varun Chakaravarthy’s control through the middle overs left the Dutch searching for answers, while Jasprit Bumrah found early swing and nailed his yorkers. It was not dominance for 40 overs, but it was enough.
Ashwin spent time on Tilak Varma as well, stressing that T20 batting is not only about brute strength. “Tilak Varma is coming back after an injury. We talk about power and strength, but sweet spot and timing are the basic essence of batting. Tilak is not a big power hitter. For him, timing and finding the sweet spot are most important. Please remember, you can play like Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi), but you can also play like Tilak, who relies on timing and picks the gaps,” he said, noting that Tilak’s method relies more on placement than power as he settles back after injury.
Elsewhere, the Super 8 line-up is complete. Pakistan advanced from Group A alongside India. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe came through Group B, the West Indies and England from Group C, and South Africa and New Zealand from Group D. With Australia and New Zealand already assured of a place in 2028 as co-hosts, every Super 8 side has now secured qualification for the next edition.
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