New Delhi: Team India is the master of its own fate after a convincing win against Zimbabwe in their second Super Eight match at the T20 World Cup 2026. After a massive loss to South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday, India needed the Proteas to mete out the same treatment to the West Indies in the first match of the double header on Thursday and needed a big win against Zimbabwe to remain alive in the tournament.
Both results went in India’s favour to set up a virtual quarterfinal between the defending champions and the West Indies on Sunday.
After flattering to deceive in the opening five matches, the Indian batting unit produced a collective performance to post a massive 256 for 4 in Chennai.
While it was a flawless performance with the bat, there’s a lot of room for improvement in the bowling department. Despite not being in the run chase, Zimbabwe still managed to end at 184 for six with opening batter Brian Bennett remaining undefeated on 97.
Indian bowling attack: Persistent concerns ahead of West Indies clash
Barring a three-wicket haul by Arshdeep Singh, Indian bowling looked flat and lacked venom, an issue that needs to be resolved against a powerful team like the West Indies.
It was bold of India captain Suryakumar Yadav to recognise the concern in the bowling department ahead of the knockout clash against the Caribbean side.
Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit, India’s main bowling threat, took just one wicket between them in an uninspired display, while the sixth bowler, Shivam Dube, was horrendous in his two overs and leaked 46 runs.
Surya was not impressed with the team’s bowling effort and accepted that things needed to improve against the West Indies.
Surya expresses concern over Indian bowling
“We could have been more clinical with the ball. A win is a win. We will tighten our screws when we play the West Indies,” said Surya ahead of the virtual quarterfinal at the Eden Gardens on March 1.
“I don’t want to take credit away from Zimbabwe batters, they batted smartly. We could have been little bit smarter with our options,” added Surya.
While India got away against Zimbabwe, they most likely won’t against opponents like the West Indies, New Zealand, South Africa and England, who all bat deep.
Both New Zealand and the West Indies showed why it’s important for the bowlers to keep picking wickets throughout the course of 20 overs. Against Sri Lanka, the Kiwis were done for at 6 down for 84, after which Mitchell Santner and Kyle McConchie pulled off a remarkable rescue act, adding 80+runs to the total, that eventually proved decisive to their 61-run win.
One day later, the West Indies, after being six down for 71, added 100-plus runs after the fall of the sixth wicket, to reach a competitive total against the Proteas.
Addressing bowling issues key for India’s title defence
India need relentless approach from their bowlers to keep applying pressure on the opposition.
But for that to happen, Varun Chakravarthy needs to get back in his groove. After a wicket-laden start, Chakravarthy’s performances have dipped in the last two matches. The mystery spinner was found out against South Africa, and conceded close to 10 an over while Zimbabwe batters also feasted on the spinner, taking 35 runs from his four overs.
India’s sixth bowling option, Shivam Dube, has conceded 113 runs in the seven overs he has bowled in this tournament. As good as he has been with the bat, with the ball in hand, his performances have failed to inspire confidence in his bowling abilities.
It’s a welcome sight to see the Indian team management acknowledging the bowling issue. After Surya openly admitted the concern post-match, press photographers captured Dube going through the bowling grind with Hardik Pandya under the watchful eyes of head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel
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