Faf du Plessis made a harsh comment on Suryakumar's India after Zimbabwe game (PC-x.com)
Suryakumar Yadav-led India are back, and they are back in a grand fashion. Everything went nicely for the Men in Blue on Thursday, but things could have panned out even finer for them.
On Thursday, India defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai, bringing them into the race for the semifinals. However, former South African captain Faf du Plessis has questioned the defending champion's mindset.
After posting the highest total of the T20 World Cup 2026 - 256/4, India failed both as a bowling unit and tactically, allowing Zimbabwe to reach 184/6. For the Chevrons, Brian Bennett scored an empathic 97 not out.
India not a ruthless team: Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis, who led his national side during the 2016 edition in India, questioned India's mindset and called them not a ruthless team compared to what Australia were back in 2003 and 2007.
"Once again, I think, it's the mindset. Like, even if you think of the amazing innings that Bennett player there, but a ruthless mindset goes - 'There's no way we are letting a guy get a hundred today, against our bowling attack. Because we have got the best bowling attack in the competition," Faf du Plessis said on a show produced by ESPNCricinfo.
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The 41-year-old batter further said that India gave 40 runs extra, calling them "soft runs" by Suryakumar Yadav and company.
"He almost got 40 runs extra there, which were soft runs in the context of the game and (they) didn't lose them the game. But I think, there's definitely a point of looking at it. How ruthless you be when you're on top of a team?" Faf du Plessis added.
The Indian captain's decision to introduce Shivam Dube in the latter half of the innings was questioned by critics, given the overs left for Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
Faf du Plessis, who is currently injured with a right thumb ligament tear, represented the Delhi Capitals in the previous season, but the right-handed batter has decided to withdrew from the IPL and participate in the PSL.
India, South Africa favourites for silverware?
The Aiden Markram-led South African side has become the first side to qualify for the semifinal from Group 1. Meanwhile, Kolkata's Eden Gardens will host a direct shoot-off on Sunday between India and the West Indies for the second spot.
Interestingly, Faf du Plessis has predicted an India versus South Africa final. He further said he would love to see David Miller take Suryakumar Yadav's catch near the boundary line in the final over of the finale, taking the revenge for the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
Meanwhile, from Group 2, England have already proceeded further to semifinals, but the race is still open between New Zealand and Pakistan. The Blackcaps will be at loggerheads with England on Friday evening in Colombo. Whereas, the Pakistan-Sri Lanka clash is scheduled for Saturday in Kandy.
Both groups are panned really well, as four teams are fighting for two available spots in the semifinals.
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