Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar After India’s humiliating 76-run defeat against South Africa, the young batsman launched a scathing attack on Tilak Varma. T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing a target of 188, the defending champions were bundled out for a paltry 111 in 18.5 overs, suffering their heaviest defeat in T20 World Cup history.
‘Disappointed with his approach’: Sunil Gavaskar questions Tilak Varma’s batting selection
Speaking to Star Sports after the match, Gavaskar did not mince his words when criticizing Tilak Varma’s careless dismissal. After Ishan Kishan took a duck in the first minute, Tilak tried to ill-advise Marco Jansen at No. 3, made room and tried to hit the ball at mid-on, only to fall just 1 run short of Quinton de Kock.
“Yes, I think he was a very smart batsman. I was a bit disappointed with his approach today because, look, the wicket was already down. Yes, the required rate was 9.5 runs, but it’s not like you’re chasing 15 runs,” Gavaskar said.
The former India captain stressed that Tilak should have shown more responsibility, especially with an out-of-form Abhishek Sharma at the other end who recorded three consecutive ducks in the group stage.
“So you could have given yourself a bit more time, especially because Abhishek Sharma didn’t have a run at the other end. So the onus was on you to stay with Abhishek and build a partnership, get those sixes. When the wicketkeeper goes, you don’t have to get to 70. Even 55 would have been a good platform,” he added.
The left-hander’s dismissal continued a disappointing campaign for him personally. In five matches at the T20 World Cup 2026, Tilak has fared well below his usual standards with just 107 runs at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate of 118.88.
Prior to Sunday’s game, Tilak had amassed 496 runs in 10 T20Is against the Proteas at an astonishing average of 70.85 and a strike rate of 163.15, including two centuries and two fifties. Those numbers suggested a favorable matchup, but Sunday’s trip did not reflect that advantage.
India’s top-order collapse is complete in the power play. After Kisha’s first ball duck and Tilak’s dismissal for 1 over, Abhishek Sharma He managed 15 off 12 balls before falling to Jansen’s knuckleball. At 3 for 31 inside the Powerplay, India’s chase was virtually dead.
‘They came out with overconfidence’: Gavaskar on India’s batting approach against South Africa
Apart from Tilak’s dismissal, Gavaskar criticized the entire Indian batting unit for failing to learn how to rebuild South Africa’s batting after being reduced to 20 for 3 in four overs. David Miller (63 off 35) and Dewald Brevis (45 off 29) added 97 runs for the fourth wicket, playing smartly on a difficult surface where the ball did not hit the bat quickly.
“When you look at how Devald Brevis and David Miller repaired the South African innings, they played more shots at the V. When the bouncers hit, they countered them intelligently because they realized that the ball was not coming into the bat quickly. After seeing how Brevis and Miller built their partnership, that was the approach needed from the Indian batsmen” Gavaskar observed.
“But India didn’t take notes from South Africa’s innings. They went out and batted every delivery hoping for a boundary. That’s not how you play T20 cricket. You have to learn from the opposition. If they scored well on a tough pitch like this, they had to get rid of their egos, observe and adjust. The Indians didn’t do that. Their batting and the wickets they lost clearly got ahead of India and it was a well-deserved win for them.” he added.
Also READ: Suryakumar Yadav reveals turning point in India’s Super 8 loss to South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026
Gavaskar’s advice for tackling Abhishek Sharma
Gavaskar also analyzed Abhishek’s ongoing struggles, revealing how South Africa cleverly used his strengths to create space in the offside.
“He got into a bit of a trap and South Africa batted very smartly. They know he likes to create space and play offside. Look at Raba – even after the six, he didn’t change his line,” Gavaskar observed.
The 76-year-old advised Abhishek to focus on spin rather than forcing big shots. “He shouldn’t force himself to make big shots over the line. Take one and leave the mark. Even the four-pointer doesn’t matter,” advised.
