India began their T20 World Cup preparation with a thumping 101-run win against South Africa in Cuttack. A spicy Barabati wicket on Tuesday, December 9, brought out the best in the Indian bowlers, who collectively destroyed the South African chase despite defending a below-par total of 175.

Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya turned the contest between the 2024 finalists into a routine demolition. At home, almost no visiting team has dared come close to India’s level, and South Africa were reminded of the gulf first-hand.

Performance That Hides Flaws

But performances this dominant tend to hide flaws. And one flaw in particular continues to stare India in the face: the uncomfortable question mark over the top order.

On Tuesday, India’s top or

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