Will India make a big change before their biggest match? Everyone’s asking the same question right now. Sanju Samson might finally get his chance in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8!
India plays South Africa on February 22 at the massive Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams come in unbeaten. Both topped their groups. This Super 8 clash could decide who reaches the semi-finals first.
The weather looks perfect for cricket – clear skies with zero rain threat. But the real storm is brewing over India’s team selection right now.
India’s Top-Order Troubles
Here’s the problem – keeping everyone worried. Abhishek Sharma has scored three ducks in a row. That’s rough for any player in a World Cup.
Tilak Varma isn’t doing much better either. He’s struggled against spinners on turning pitches. His batting looks shaky out there. Only Ishan Kishan has stepped up at the top.
Think about India’s batting lineup. Six left-handers in the top eight. That’s too many against quality bowling attacks. South Africa’s bowlers will target this weakness.
Will Sanju Samson to Replace Tilak Varma?
This is where things get interesting for the T20 World Cup 2026. Rumours are flying everywhere about the wicketkeeper-batsman getting a game. He’s a right-hander who could break that left-hand domination. Plus, he’s in really good hitting ability.
So, will we see the change in the playing 11? Maybe. But probably not just yet. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel threw his support behind Abhishek publicly.
“He’s just one good innings away from finding his form again,” Morkel told reporters. That sounds like the team wants to stick with their current players.
India’s Likely Decision for Super 8
Let’s be honest about what usually happens. India won all their group stage matches convincingly. Teams rarely make big changes when winning everything.
The management will likely back the same playing 11. They believe in giving players chances to bounce back. Abhishek and Tilak probably get one more match.
But if either fails against South Africa? Then the Kerala wicketkeeper will definitely come into consideration. The team can’t ignore poor form forever in knockout cricket.
This match is massive for India’s campaign. A win takes pressure off the remaining Super 8 matches. A loss makes things complicated quickly.
