Overview:
India's bowling has been exposed by the rivals, with the Netherlands managing to reach 176 despite being 118 for 5 after 15 overs.
India remained unbeaten in the group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but former players Virender Sehwag and Mohit Sharma are not pleased with the performance of the bowlers. India’s last game against the Netherlands showed that the margin of error will shrink in the Super 8 phase of the tournament.
“India haven’t been challenged. They struggled a bit against the USA but managed to cross the finishing line. The real test will start in Super 8. India scored 193 against the Netherlands but they also conceded 176. India will have to look at their bowlers. When we play against a big team, how will the current bowling line-up respond?” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
Mohit Sharma highlighted the uncertainty around the bowling combinations.
“India haven’t gone win with a settled bowling combinations. There is still a doubt on the team’s bowling line-up in the Super 8. Axar Patel can chip in with important overs but who will bowl at the death? If the Netherlands can put you under pressure in the death overs, there are bigger teams coming up in the next round. If Arshdeep is there, he can bowl with Bumrah in the death overs,” he said.
India’s bowling has been exposed by the rivals, with the Netherlands managing to reach 176 despite being 118 for 5 after 15 overs. The sub-continent team conceded 58 runs in the last five overs.
India will face South Africa, Zimbabwe and the West Indies in the Super 8s stage of the global tournament.