The former Indian coach Ravi Shastri sounded relieved after India lost against South Africa in their first Super 8 match against South Africa in Ahmedabad. Shastri believes that it's better to be humbled than to be so on the final day. Notably, India’s semi-final chances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 depend on winning both remaining Super 8 matches after a 76-run loss to South Africa left them third with a -3.800 NRR. They must beat Zimbabwe and West Indies, likely by big margins, as qualification could come down to net run rate and other Group 1 results. India has seen this, winning 10 in a row and losing the 11th in the 2023 World Cup. Shastri voiced the same, saying that if the "shake-up" comes in between, it is much better, given India learns to work on their mistakes. Before India faced the Zimbabwe on Thursday, Shastri said, “You win 12 matches on the trot, there's bound to be an off day. And I'm glad it has come early. It might just be the shakeup India needed,” Shastri said. “It might also make them rethink their strategy as to the composition of the side going ahead.” He added, "They would have learned from that last experience that they're not going to take things for granted because in this Super Eight if you lose one more match, then you're really putting yourself under serious pressure.” Ravi Shastri both Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in the team Ravi Shastri added that the team must get back their vice captain Axar Patel. However, he is not against Washington Sundar in the team. Rather, he wants both for that extra option. He said, “They have to bring him back. You need that experience. I would say play both,” he said, referring to Axar and Washington Sundar. “Give yourself that extra option. Because on a given day, you're bound to have one bowler who's going to have an off day.” He has even questioned India's obsession for eight batters, even when they are not turning fruitful. he added, "If eight batters can't do the job in T20 cricket, then something's wrong, especially with that kind of firepower,” Shastri said. “Where you're missing out is you're not giving yourself that extra option of a bowler, which I think is important.”