The India national cricket team is all set to make a bold move ahead of their Super 8 clash against South Africa in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad on Sunday (February 22).
Sanju Samson may get a chance in place of Tilak Verma in the match against South Africa.
According to the report of RevSportz journalist Rohit Sharma, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is likely to get a chance in the playing eleven in place of Tilak Verma. India’s practice session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad gave this big hint.
During the main practice at the center wicket, every Indian batsman including Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dubey took part in full batting practice. The only exception was Tilak Verma, who was seen practicing with off-spin bowling in the back nets, away from the main wicket.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav gives update on Sanju Samson, addresses Tilak Verma’s criticism on sluggish batting
This was a clear indication that the Indian cricket team management is thinking of giving preference to Sanju Samson for the high-pressure Super 8 match against South Africa. Samson impressed in the nets with great confidence and body language after spending more than an hour against the fast bowling.
Sanju Samson impressed in practice
The journalist shared that the Kerala star was seen batting cautiously against the spinners, as Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel would handle the spin attack later in the innings. He was also involved in a long discussion with the support staff, including batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
In the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Tilak Verma has scored 106 runs in four group-stage matches, but his strike rate of 120.45 has raised some concerns, as it is much lower than his career T20 strike rate of 141.80. As the tournament reaches the decisive stage, India are expected to make some bold moves.
Although the final playing XI is expected to be confirmed after another practice session in Ahmedabad, signs are pointing towards Samson replacing Tilak Verma for the South Africa clash. Apart from this change, either Axar Patel or Washington Sundar will make a place in the team in Super 8.
Also read: Abhishek Sharma’s mentality shone amidst the struggles!
Kuldeep Yadav’s return is certain for the South Africa Super 8 match.
Meanwhile, wrist spin could be India’s main weapon in Ahmedabad. Washington Sundar was in bad shape in the group stage, but the Ahmedabad pitch is perfect for wrist spinners who can bounce and turn the ball quickly, paving the way for Kuldeep Yadav’s comeback.
Kuldeep will bring back his experience and wicket-taking ability. Along with him, Varun Chakravarthy, who has been India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament so far with 9 wickets in four group matches, is set to make life difficult for South Africa’s middle order.
Proteas batsmen like Aiden Markram and David Miller have had a history of struggling against quality wrist-spin in the past. Therefore, on a high-scoring ground like Ahmedabad, Kuldeep and Varun can play a big role in controlling the runs and breaking partnerships early.
However, neither Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir nor captain Suryakumar Yadav gave any indication about the playing eleven for the crucial Super 8 match against the Proteas in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
