Former Indian cricketers Sanjay Bangar and Varun Aaron have emphasized that South Africa has a clear lead in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. He believes that the Proteas team is currently the favorite to defeat India in their opening Super 8 match in Ahmedabad on February 22.
Sanjay Bangar supports South Africa ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8
Former Indian batting coach and RCB head coach Bangar believes that South Africa is in a very comfortable position in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. He told that he has played most of his matches at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Notably, South Africa played three of their group-stage matches in Ahmedabad, and they will also play two of their three Super 8 matches at the same venue. Bangar said living in a city means less travel, more rest and better recovery time, and that can make a big difference.
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Ahmedabad factor gives big boost to Proteas
“It’s a really big advantage,” Sanjay Bangar was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. [they are] Not travelling. If they are settled in a particular place, it also allows more time for rest and rehabilitation purposes. So, South Africa have such a long experience, it feels like they are playing in a familiar area now – just like Sri Lanka is doing, playing in their own backyard, just like India is doing.
The Proteas performed excellently in the group stage and topped their group by winning all four matches. They defeated Canada by a wide margin, defeated Afghanistan in a dramatic Super Over and defeated New Zealand with ease—all in Ahmedabad. Their only game outside Ahmedabad was at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where they also recorded a solid win over the United Arab Emirates.
Another factor working in his favor is experience. Bangar pointed out that many South African players are used to playing in Indian and subcontinental conditions due to regular exposure in the IPL, so they will clearly have an added advantage in the Super 8 round.
“The number of players who have played in subcontinent conditions, I think they have a very good experience of what it takes to do in that particular position. So obviously South Africa will have an advantage,” he said.
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Varun Aaron warns South Africa’s rivals ahead of Super 8
Meanwhile, former India fast bowler Varun Aaron also believes that South Africa are looking balanced in both batting and bowling. The cricket pundit warned India, West Indies and Zimbabwe that the Proteas could be an even more dangerous team, even if Kagiso Rabada is in peak form.
Varun Aaron said during the same discussion, “South Africa, number one, they have a very good team, very balanced. If Rabada turns it on at the right time, they will look even more dangerous. But playing a few games in Ahmedabad gives them a bit of an edge. Some of the players have represented Gujarat Titans. So, it gives them a sense of belonging.”
After facing India, South Africa will take on West Indies in Ahmedabad before concluding the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 round against Zimbabwe in Delhi.
