2 Years, 3 Months and 6 Days (826 Days): India's epic ICC unbeaten streak ends after how many matches? The Irony will shock you

The painful loss against South Africa by 76 runs has brought an end to India's commendable streak in the T20 World Cup as well as in the ICC events combined. Following the ODI World Cup of 2023, India have played two ICC events of the white ball and won both of them unbeaten. India remained undefeated in the T20 World Cup 2024 and then went on to claim the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, convincingly without losing any game. India's last loss in the ICC event came in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, a result that still haunts millions whenever recalled.

After losing the final against Australia in the ODI World Cup of 2023, Team India embarked on an unbeaten journey, which lasted 2 years, 3 months and 6 Days. To be more precise, India were unconquered for 826 days. In this duration, the Men-in-Blue registered an undefeated record of 17 matches. Sadly, it could not go beyond this number as South Africa pummeled India.

The biggest irony is that India's streak of 17 wins in a row started after incurring a loss at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and it came to an end on the same venue after 17 matches. What were the odds of that happening?

While a defeat of this manner could derail the entire campaign, Suryakumar Yadav and co. must find the will to script a comeback.

What is the ideal course for India to reach the semifinal?

Having lost the game against South Africa, India would now have to emerge victorious in both its remaining encounters. They are scheduled to face Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26, in Chennai. Following that, they will square off against the West Indies on March 1 at the Eden Gardens. Apart from winning its matches, India would have to hope that South Africa also beat both Zimbabwe and the West Indies. In this case, India will have a less complicated route towards the semifinal. In any other case, things would become complex, and there is also a possibility that three teams would end up with four points. In such a scenario, the two sides that will have the superior net run rate will move to the semifinals. At this stage, India carry an abysmal NRR of -3.800. A lot of permutations and combinations are possible at this moment. Hence, a clear picture will be drawn soon.