'FIFA World Cup is 6 months away': Ravi Shastri’s mix-up during IND-SA T20I lights up social media

Ravi Shastri’s ‘6 months away’ T20 World Cup slip during IND-SA T20I goes viral. (Photo: Reuters)

In less than two months, the T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on February 7 and conclude on March 8. The final stage of preparation for the reigning T20 World Cup champions has begun with the current India vs South Africa T20I series. At least twice at the toss of the match, former India coach Ravi Shastri stated that the "World Cup is six months away."

It first occurred while Shastri was speaking with Aiden Markram, the captain of South Africa. "Yes, the World Cup is coming in six months. What are you looking to take out of this series?" asked Shastri.

When speaking with Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India, he mentioned "six months" once more. "Now, the most important thing-in six months, you go into a World Cup, and that too at home. Ideal preparation here, you are up against a strong side. What are you looking to take out of this series?" Shastri asked.

Social media users took notice of the goof-up.

Ravi Shastri says 6 months to go for World Cup. Yeah He's correct unless he's referring to T20 WC , coz only WC that's 6 months away is FIFA WC,lol

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— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) December 9, 2025

Ravi Shastri doesn't really do any preparations for toss etc any more it seems ! Kept saying six months to go for the World Cup when it's exactly two months away ! Even after Aiden mentioned that we have two months he said the same thing to SKY ! His mind seems elsewhere  — Sandy (@SB_071162) December 9, 2025

Speaking of the game, Hardik Pandya led India to 175 for six against South Africa in the opening Twenty20 International in Cuttack on Tuesday with a brilliant, undefeated 28-ball 59. After recuperating from a quadriceps injury, Pandya returned to international cricket. In the fag end of the innings, after India were 78 for 4 in the 12th over, he hit six fours and four maximums to give the much-needed boost.

After SA asked India to bat first, Tilak Varma (26) and Axar Patel (23) also made valuable contributions.

Prior to Pandya's outstanding effort, SA was able to take wickets early on, with Lungi Ngidi (3/31) and Lutho Sipamla (2/38) sharing five.