High-flying Team India will be keen to continue their winning streak in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 when they take on South Africa in their first Super 8 encounter. A big match is to be played in Ahmedabad on Sunday (22 February).
India qualified for the Super 8s with the best record in the group stage. They started their campaign with a win over the US before defeating Namibia, Pakistan and the Netherlands. The Men in Blue will hope to maintain the same form against the Proteas.
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Abhishek Sharma’s form before the important match will be a matter of great concern for the home team. The southpaw entered the tournament as the best T20I batsman in the world but has failed to make any impact so far.
Bad form of Abhishek Sharma:
Abhishek Sharma has not been able to make a mark yet in his first T20 World Cup despite playing three games. He was out for a duck against the USA before missing the game against Namibia due to a stomach problem. In his comeback against Pakistan, the opening batsman once again failed to open his account.
His luck did not change even against Netherlands and he was once again out for zero. After being out for a duck thrice in as many matches, there will be immense pressure on Abhishek Sharma to perform well with the bat in the upcoming match. His failures so far in the tournament haven’t hurt India much, but the team-management will be hopeful that he will turn things around soon.
Will Abhishek Sharma be removed?
While Abhishek Sharma is undoubtedly one of the best T20I batsmen in the world at present, there are rumblings of dropping him from the team following his recent poor form. There are demands from many quarters to replace him with Sanju Samson.
However, it is highly unlikely that Abhishek Sharma will make way for any other batsman in India’s playing XI. Speaking at the pre-match press-conference, India assistant coach Morne Morkel made it clear that the under-pressure batsman has the full support of the team management. Morkel also said that Sharma is doing well in the nets and will make a comeback soon.
“There is absolutely no discussion on Abhishek Sharma in the group. He will do well for the team and the crowd. He is entertaining. He is hitting the ball well in the nets.” Morkel told the media.
India eyes important victory:
The match against South Africa will be important for India. A win over the high-flying Proteas will be a huge boost to India’s semi-final hopes. Like India, South Africa have also won all four of their group matches and will be keen to continue their unbeaten streak.
