India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs after South Africa posted 187/7, with Marco Jansen taking 4-22 and Keshav Maharaj claiming 3-24. Despite a fighting 42 from Shivam Dube, the chase never gained momentum, with early dismissals of Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma compounding India’s struggles.

Nayar noted the unusual predicament for India’s top order and criticised the Indian openers’ performance against the Proteas. “It’s going to be a very uncomfortable discussion between Ishan Kishan and Abhishek as to who takes the strike because suddenly he has passed the baton of the zeroes to Ishan Kishan, someone who was in prime form. But this is a problem for India,” Nayar told JioStar.

He highlighted the technical challenge posed by off-spin and the importance of strategising for upcoming matches.

“There is definitely going to be a discussion about how they can overcome an off-spinner bowling to them because, keep in mind, when they take on the West Indies as well, Roston Chase is going to bowl in the powerplay to them. So they will want to come back with better plans,” Nayar said.

He highlighted the technical challenge posed by off-spin and the importance of strategising for upcoming matches.

Nayar’s observations underline India’s need to adapt quickly against quality spin if they hope to recover in the Super Eights stage and keep their semi-final hopes alive.