Ahmedabad | Enoxx News Desk
The stage is set for a blockbuster Sunday clash as India locks horns with South Africa in their opening Super 8 fixture of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Taking place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this high-octane encounter is a highly anticipated rematch of the previous edition’s final. As the stakes get higher, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir are carefully evaluating their combinations and are expected to make one significant change to the playing XI.
According to camp insiders, dynamic spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel is fully primed to make his return to the starting lineup. Axar was given a well-deserved rest during India’s final Group A fixture against the Netherlands but is now expected to replace Washington Sundar. Axar has been a revelation with the ball in this tournament, standing as India’s second-highest wicket-taker. He has bagged six wickets in just three outings, boasting a phenomenal economy rate of 6.63, making him an indispensable asset for the Super 8 stage.
While the bowling attack looks to be receiving a boost, there have been lingering questions about the top order. Explosive young opener Abhishek Sharma has suffered a dismal run, registering three consecutive ducks in the tournament. However, his spot in the team remains rock-solid. During the pre-match press conference on Saturday, skipper Suryakumar Yadav aggressively threw his weight behind the youngster, effectively shutting down rumors of Sanju Samson stepping in as a replacement.
“Those who are worried about Abhishek Sharma’s form, I am worried about them,” Suryakumar stated, making it clear that the team management is prioritizing long-term backing over knee-jerk reactions.
Looking at the conditions in Ahmedabad, the think tank is likely to stick to a proven formula of four pacers and two frontline spinners. The pace battery will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, heavily supported by pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. The spin duties will fall on the shoulders of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and the returning Axar Patel. This specific balance means that wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will likely have to wait a bit longer on the sidelines.
India’s Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
