India, Feb. 23 -- For months leading up to the home World Cup, India committed to doubling down on the intent from their last T20 title. They played a brand of cricket that would bulldoze opponents with belligerence, whoever did not meet the high-tempo template was discarded from the squad. A thumping defeat against South Africa in the Super 8s revealed the flip side of this strategy.

From questioning if they are even beatable to wondering if the defending champions will survive, their aura has taken a beating. India might think they just had a completely off day against the Proteas in Ahmedabad, which was true; but deeper issues in the squad makeup have been exposed, traces of which were visible during the league stages.

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