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New Delhi. Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, in his own style, gave strong advice to the players after India’s defeat against South Africa in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2026 and expressed concern over the team’s performance. Sehwag especially remembered Virat Kohli and told how Kohli had the ability to finish the match single-handedly.

Kohli’s absence felt

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag said, “India has done anything above 160 only when Virat Kohli has scored runs. Otherwise, India has not even chased above 160 in the World Cup and he was always not out. Be it 80, 60 or 50 runs, Virat used to finish the match. But which player finished the match yesterday? No one has done this in the World Cup till now.”

Many players had a chance

Sehwag, who has scored two triple centuries in Test cricket, further said, “Yesterday in the India vs South Africa match, many players had a chance to become Virat Kohli. Tilak Verma had it, Surya Kumar Yadav had it, Shivam Dubey and Hardik Pandya also had a chance. Someone will have to become Virat Kohli, someone will have to learn how Virat used to finish the match.”

Responsibility is more important than strike rate

Veeru also warned the players from playing for the sake of strike rate. He said, “Strike rate definitely matters, but during the chase you should play looking at the scoreboard. Yesterday, Surya Kumar Yadav was seen playing under pressure, to save. It is difficult to win in such cricket. We will have to show some fearless cricket, only then Team India will be able to win the match.”

Impact and warning of defeat

The Indian team lost by 76 runs, due to which the chances of going to the semi-finals have also reduced. Sehwag’s message was clear that now players will have to take responsibility and learn the habit of becoming match winners like Kohli.