The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is often a theater for statistical debate, but a recent broadcast graphic has pushed the conversation into the realm of controversy. During the Super 8 encounter between India and South Africa on Sunday, 22 February, host broadcaster Star Sports displayed a "Power Hitter" comparison that has since been widely ridiculed by fans and cricket analysts. Team India Funny Memes Go Viral After Men in Blue Suffer One-Side Loss Against South Africa in IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Match.

The infographic utilized a proprietary "Skill Scale" to measure batting attributes. To the surprise of viewers, it rated the 23-year-old Tilak Varma as a more potent power hitter than the veteran Proteas finisher David Miller.

The Graphic vs The Reality

The broadcast metric reportedly assigned Varma a power rating in the high 97, while Miller, famously nicknamed "Killer Miller" for his long-standing finishing prowess, was rated significantly lower at 64.

The timing of the graphic proved particularly unfortunate. While the scale suggested Varma held the advantage in raw power, the on-field performances told a different story:

  • David Miller: Played a match-winning innings of 63 runs off 35 balls, including seven boundaries and three towering sixes. His performance rescued South Africa from an early collapse of 20/3.

  • Tilak Varma: Struggled to find rhythm, lasting only two balls before being dismissed for 1 run by Marco Jansen.

David Miller vs Tilak Varma: Career Summary

Statistic David Miller (SA) Tilak Varma (IND)
Super 8 Score (22 Feb) 63 (35) 1 (2)
T20I Strike Rate 141.56 141.60
T20 Strike Rate 138.56 143.65
Experience 137 T20Is 45 T20Is

Social Media Backlash

The disparity between the "Power Scale" and the veteran’s actual output led to an immediate outcry on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).  "If some one says Miller’s power is 64/100 I won’t waste anytime on these anymore," noted one prominent cricket performance analyst on X. Washington Sundar and David Miller Confront Each Other in Drinks Break During IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Match.

'Clueless'

Fan Clearly Shows His Frustration

'This is A Joke'

'Shocked'

'Will Never-Ever Believe'

Beyond the broadcast controversy, the match highlighted significant middle-order concerns for the defending champions. India collapsed to a 76-run defeat, failing to chase 188 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Following the loss, India’s Net Run Rate has taken a severe hit, dropping to -3.80. With upcoming Super 8 fixtures against the West Indies and Zimbabwe, the team management faces calls to rethink the middle-order structure.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 23, 2026 02:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).