High-flying Team India will be eager to continue their winning run in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 when they face South Africa in their first Super 8 clash. The big clash is scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad on Sunday (February 22).
India qualified for the Super 8s with a perfect record in the group stage. They began their campaign with a win over USA before beating Namibia, Pakistan and Netherlands. The Men in Blue will be hoping to maintain the same form against the Proteas as well.
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Ahead of the crucial clash, Abhishek Sharma’s form will be a big concern for the home side. The southpaw entered the tournament as the best T20I batsman in the world but has failed to make any impact whatsoever so far.
Abhishek Sharma’s poor form:
Abhishek Sharma is yet to get off the mark in his first T20 World Cup despite playing three games. He was out for a duck against USA before missing the game against Namibia due to an upset stomach. In his comeback against Pakistan, the opening batsman once again failed to open his account.
His fortunes did not change against Netherlands either as he was once again out for a duck. With three ducks in as many games, Abhishek Sharma will be under severe pressure to deliver with the bat in the upcoming game. His failures have not cost India much in the tournament so far but the team-management will be desperately hoping that he turns things around soon.
Abhishek Sharma to be dropped?
While Abhishek Sharma is undoubtedly one of the best T20I batsmen in the world at present, there are murmurs of dropping him from the team following his recent run of poor form. There have been calls from several quarters to replace him with Sanju Samson.
However, it looks highly unlikely that Abhishek Sharma will be making way for any other batsman in India’s playing eleven. Speaking in the pre-match press-conference, India’s assistant coach Morne Morkel made it clear that the under-pressure batter has the full backing of the team-management. Morkel also stated that Sharma has been doing well in the nets and will bounce back soon.
“Absolutely no discussion on Abhishek Sharma in the group. He is going to deliver, for the team and viewers. He is entertaining. He is hitting the ball well in the nets,” Morkel told the media.
India eye important win:
The match against South Africa will be an important one for India. A win over the high-flying Proteas will be a huge boost for India’s semifinal hopes. Just like India, South Africa have also won all of their four group games and will be keen on extending their unbeaten run too.