The India national cricket team is facing a big selection headache just hours before the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22, and almost every cricket expert including Mohammad Kaif has backed Sanju Samson’s name.
Having too many left-handed batsmen in the batting order becomes a headache for India.
India’s batting line-up looks strong on paper, but there is one big issue and that is the presence of too many left-handed batsmen. India currently has nine left-handed players for the T20 World Cup 2026. The top three—Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Verma—all bat left-handed.
After this come Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Akshar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh. Rival teams have already seen this pattern. They attack India with right-arm off-spinners. In the group stage, India scored only 6.36 runs per over against off-spin.
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This is one of the lowest rates in the tournament. The average also dropped badly. India’s struggle and pressure are clearly visible. Nevertheless, the Indian coaching staff supported the plan. Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel favored the attacking style of left-handed batsmen.
Mohammad Kaif demanded inclusion of Sanju Samson
He believes that these players can destroy any bowling attack on their day. However, ahead of the big South Africa clash, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has raised a strong point. He believes that the left-heavy top order makes it easier for teams to plan against India.
An off-spinner can cause big trouble for the defending champions and Kaif believes wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson can solve this problem. Cricket pundit feels Samson brings balance; He is a right-handed player and plays spin well. Only he can break the plans of the opposition.
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Kaif posted,
India have a lot of left-handed players in the top order – this makes it easier for opponents to make tactical plans and choose off-spinners as ideal match-ups. Adding Sanju Samson to the mix may help.
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 22 February 2026
Varun Aaron calls Aiden Markram India’s biggest headache
Meanwhile, former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron has given a stern warning to India regarding Aiden Markram. Aaron feels that the South African captain could be the biggest problem for India, as he is in great form and looks very confident at the crease.
So far in the tournament, Markram has scored 178 runs in just four innings. He has already scored two half-centuries. His average is around 60 and his strike rate is 190. And the commentator said that Markram’s statistics show how dangerous he can be in T20 cricket.
Aaron believes that Markram has the skill and confidence to take on even Jasprit Bumrah, India’s main weapon with the ball. He wants India to plan carefully and get him out early.
“But for me Aiden Markram is the most dangerous batsman because he has the technique to counter Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is obviously in prime form with the new ball, and so is Hardik Pandya,” Varun Aaron said on Star Sports.
Washington Sundar supports IND vs SA Super 8 clash
He also believes that India should consider playing Washington Sundar against South Africa. He said that South Africa have many strong left-handers like Mark Jensen, Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock and David Miller and off spin can trouble them. Given that Aarons also believes that Ahmedabad’s slow pitch can help spin, that could make Washington a smart choice.
