T20 World Cup 2026: In the T20 World Cup 2026, even though Team India has made it to the Super-8 by securing 4 consecutive wins, but a major weakness of the team has also come to the fore. In the group stage, Pakistan, Netherlands and Namibia used similar tactics, in which Team India was seen getting trapped continuously. This was similar to what former New Zealand captain Martin did in the 1992 ODI World Cup. Even then the Indian team had to face problems.
In fact, weakness against off-spin has emerged as a big issue in Team India's batting in the T20 World Cup 2026. By using off-spinners in the beginning of the match, the opposing teams were successful in stopping India's strong top order. Let us tell you, former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe had used the same strategy in the 1992 ODI World Cup and this surprise tactic surprised the defending champion and co-host Australia. Even against India, New Zealand had bowled the off-spinner in the beginning of the match.
Now many teams are adopting similar strategy in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The captain is using off-spinners in the beginning itself. These bowlers have also been successful in keeping India's top order tied. In the four matches of the group stage, off-spinners have taken almost one-third of India's 31 wickets, i.e. 11 wickets. Which clearly shows India's weakness. The biggest reason for this is India's batting lineup, in which most of the batsmen are left handed. Openers Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma are both left handers, which is proving this strategy more effective.
In the group stage, Pakistan team started the match against India with off-spinner. Captain Salman Aga himself bowled the first over and he was successful in taking the wicket of Abhishek Sharma. Netherlands also got the first over bowled by Aryan Dutt and he also made Abhishek Sharma his victim. Then Ishan Kishan was also sent to the pavilion. Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus also trapped Team India with his off-spin bowling and took 4 wickets.
Now off-spinners like South Africa (Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs), Zimbabwe (Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett) and West Indies (Roston Chase) will face India in the Super-8. Which can become a big threat for Team India. India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has also mentioned the slow pitches of Colombo and the big boundaries of Ahmedabad, where finger spin will have more impact. In such a situation, this is going to prove to be a big challenge for Team India.
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