India began their T20 World Cup journey with two points on the board, but the opening-night win against the USA came with clear warning signs. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the match should act as an early reality check, reminding the team that batting depth cannot compensate for reckless starts in World Cup cricket.
Speaking on Star Sports after India’s 30-run victory, Gavaskar acknowledged the eventual comfort of the win but underlined that the early collapse exposed vulnerabilities that stronger teams would exploit. India, despite boasting a long batting lineup, found themselves in serious trouble after losing four wickets inside the first eight overs.
While India eventually posted 161 for 9 and defended it convincingly, Gavaskar stressed that such scenarios won’t always end positively against more experienced opposition. According to him, losing multiple wickets in the powerplay negates the advantage of batting depth and places unnecessary pressure on the middle and lower order.
Gavaskar’s message was clear: powerplay aggression must be balanced with responsibility. In World Cups, he pointed out, every team raises its intensity, and mistakes are punished far more ruthlessly than in bilateral series.
The warning came after India endured a rare batting wobble. Favoured heavily against the USA, India were reduced to 77 for 6 in 12.4 overs, with their top order failing to adapt to conditions. The USA bowlers fed off the pressure, while India struggled to build partnerships or momentum.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav then stepped in with a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls. His innings, featuring ten fours and four sixes, dragged India to a competitive 161, rescuing them from what could have been an embarrassing start to their campaign.
India’s bowlers ensured that effort wasn’t wasted. Mohammad Siraj provided early breakthroughs, Axar Patel controlled the middle overs, and Arshdeep Singh delivered under pressure at the death as the USA were restricted to 132 for 8.
While the final margin suggested a comfortable victory, Gavaskar reiterated that World Cup cricket leaves little room for error. Even Suryakumar echoed the sentiment post-match, admitting that India need to bat smarter and cannot gloss over their shortcomings despite the win.
India may have started their campaign with a victory, but the USA match served as a timely reminder that margins are slim in global tournaments. As tougher challenges loom, Gavaskar’s caution stands as a reminder that early lessons, if heeded, can shape a successful World Cup run.
