Ahmedabad– As India moves from an unbeaten group stage into the more competitive Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, the team management is confronted with a familiar challenge: deciding the composition of the top order. While India enters the match against South Africa with a perfect record, the recent slump of opener Abhishek Sharma, who has recorded three consecutive ducks, has reignited discussions about whether Sanju Samson should reclaim his spot.
Backing Abhishek Sharma
Despite his recent poor form, Abhishek Sharma’s credentials as the world’s top-ranked T20I batter remain intact. With 1,297 career runs at a strike rate of 192.43, Sharma fits into Gautam Gambhir’s aggressive top-order strategy as a high-risk, high-reward asset.
Assistant coach Morne Morkel reaffirmed the team’s support for Sharma, stating, “Abhishek is a world-class player. He just needs to get his start and build his innings. We’re entering a crucial phase of the World Cup, and I’m confident he will deliver.”
At the Narendra Modi Stadium nets, Sharma worked on his rhythm for nearly two and a half hours, bowling extensively before padding up late to face net bowlers, signaling that the management is focused on restoring his form rather than dropping him immediately.
Sanju Samson’s Waiting Opportunity
Sanju Samson, who impressed with a quick 22 off 8 balls against Namibia, has been waiting for another chance. During Friday’s extended net session, he spent nearly two hours batting alongside Ishan Kishan, facing India’s leading pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
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Tactically, if Samson were to return, he might replace Tilak Varma rather than Sharma. With South Africa likely to field left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and George Linde on Ahmedabad’s black-soil pitch, Tilak’s strike rate of 120.45 in this tournament has come under scrutiny. Samson, known for his explosive batting against both pace and spin, provides a dynamic alternative if the top order struggles.
Bowling Dilemma: Washington Sundar vs Axar Patel
India’s bowling lineup also presents strategic choices. Axar Patel was rested in the Netherlands game to allow Washington Sundar to gain match practice after recovering from a knee injury. Sundar impressed with his off-spin, providing a counter to South Africa’s left-handed batsmen: Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and David Miller.
However, Axar brings superior batting depth and all-round flexibility, making him a strong candidate to return for the Super 8 opener. Morkel emphasized that having both fit offers “more options in terms of combinations,” though Axar’s all-round capabilities usually tip the balance in must-win matches.
Predicted India Playing XI vs South Africa
Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Bench: Sanju Samson (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar