team india And South Africa I have lived up to my billing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026Finished on top of their respective groups without conceding a single defeat. Both sides displayed consistency, composure and class during the league stage, underlining why they are considered the two strongest contenders for the title.
As the tournament reaches the Super 8 stage, the stakes increase significantly. Interestingly, both the teams find themselves placed together in Group 1 west indies And zimbabwe. While those sides are capable of pulling off upsets, the spotlight will be on the much-awaited clash between last edition’s finalists India and South Africa. Expectations are sky high, with fans eagerly awaiting another high-quality contest between the two giants of world cricket.
Amidst preparations, former South African captain shaun pollack has identified two Indian bowlers who, in his view, can tilt the balance in this crucial encounter.
Shaun Pollock picks the difference makers in India’s bowling lineup
Pollock points out while speaking at the SuperSport ICC T20 Men’s World Cup roundtable Jasprit Bumrah And Varun Chakraborty As the key bowler to give India a potential lead.
“When I look at the lineup, I think the point of difference for me is the two bowlers, like Bumrah and Chakravarthy.” Pollock said.
While acknowledging the quality of South Africa’s bowling, Pollock stressed that it is the rare and unconventional nature of these two Indian bowlers that sets them apart. He described Bumrah as unconventional, highlighting his unique wrist position and ability to perform well in all phases of the game. Be it striking at the start of the powerplay with the new ball, applying pressure in the middle overs, or delivering accurate yorkers in the death overs, Bumrah’s versatility makes him a constant threat.
“That’s not saying South Africa don’t have some quality, but it’s the rare nature of the way they bowl the ball that probably gives them a bit of an edge. Bumrah is very unorthodox. His wrist position is amazing. He bowls brilliantly in the powerplay with the new ball, if he has to bowl in the middle, and his death bowling is also very exceptional.” Pollock added.
Pollock further said that Chakraborty’s control in the middle overs is equally important. According to him, the strength of the Mystery Spinner lies in its adaptability. Irrespective of whether there is a left-handed or right-handed batsman at the crease, Chakravarthy can dictate terms through clever variations and sharp study of match-ups. Pollock suggested that the ability to neutralize the batsmen and manage the pace in the middle stages, gives India “a slight edge” in the bowling department.
“And then who controls the middle overs for them? Chakravarthy…when you talk about the matchups. He is a guy who can, it doesn’t matter who is at the crease, whether it is a left-hander or a right-hander who comes to the crease, he is a guy who can dictate it. So, I think he has got a little bit of an edge over us in that department.” Pollock continued.
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The star power of both sides promises an exciting encounter
While Bumrah and Chakravarthy have been chosen as the key figures, both the teams have a range of match-winners who are capable of setting the stage on fire.
For India, Captain Suryakumar Yadav Will once again be central to their batting plans, supported by an explosive opening batsman Abhishek Sharma and the dynamic all-round trio of hardik pandyaAkshar Patel And Shivam Dubey. His ability to accelerate at different stages makes India’s batting lineup both flexible and dangerous.
South Africa also has immense firepower. captain aiden markram Leads a unit featuring fast bowlers marco jansonexperienced lungi ngidi and left arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. like young talents dewald brevis And Tristan Stubbs Add more depth and unpredictability to the Proteas lineup.
Also read: ICC announces full list of qualified teams for T20 World Cup 2028