Are India missing Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma's experience in T20 World Cup 2026?

India’s 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 showcased the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Playing on a slow black soil wicket at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India not only lost to South Africa by 76 runs in the Super 8 of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but also realised the absence of the legendary Indian pair more than ever – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

While chasing a total of 188 against the South African attack, India was bowled out to 111 in 18.5 overs. The result meant a big dent in India run rate and puts the Suryakumar Yadav-led team in a difficult spot to qualify for the semifinals.

No Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — and no rescue act when it mattered most

Team India got off to a great start in the Super 8 encounter against South Africa as the proteas found themselves 20/3. But what followed was a big surprise as South Africa reached 187 with David Miller leading the rescue.

This is where the experience of the likes of Rohit Sharma looked missing. Whether it be the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 or the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, one of the most important things was Sharma’s leadership. There were many eyebrows raised at various points on Suryakumar Yadav’s team selection and bowling choices.

Sharma’s void was even felt in the batting as India’s top order has failed until this point. Rohit provided blistering starts previously. His recent, most notable performance in T20 World Cups came against Australia in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World cup 2024.

Another stalwart who was missed by India was Virat Kohli. There is a telling statistic that explains the absence of Kohli. Only a few times in the history of the T20 World Cup has India chased a total of 140 or more. And in all three instances, Kohli has been the Player of the Match in few of them as well.

In 2014, against South Africa, Kohli scored an unbeaten 72. In 2016, against Australia, he was simply phenomenal with an 82 not out. In 2022, against arch-nemesis Pakistan, he played one of the greatest T20 knocks ever – 82 not out at Melbourne. Kohli has been a rock on all three instances when the target was large and the pressure was immense.

Although India still have a chance to qualify for the semifinals, the experience and leadership of big players like Rohit and Kohli was visibly missing against South Africa.

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