India and South Africa meet again in a high-profile encounter on February 22 in Ahmedabad, a rematch of the 2024 FIFA T20 World Cup final. Both sides enter the Super 8 stage unbeaten, but Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad believes the defending champions will carry the bigger burden.
Before the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, in charge of his first major white-ball ICC tournament, said South Africa will embrace and use the pressure, not be swayed by it. Speaking to reporters after South Africa’s training session in Ahmedabad, Conrad hinted that while both teams face pressure, India, as the reigning champions, will feel it more intensely.
“There is so much scrutiny, especially a side like India. They will be under a lot of pressure to get to the semi-finals and of course go on and get to the final as well,” Conrad said. “Hopefully we can expose them and make them vulnerable under that pressure.”
ABHISHEK SHARMA NOT SIGNED OFF
When Conrad referred to controlling India, he made it clear that he did don’t dismiss Abhishek Sharma as a threat despite his three ducks in the group stage. The South African coach insisted that individual lean patches do not automatically translate into vulnerability.
“Pressure is a big thing, but it’s pressure for us and for them,” Conrad said.
“I think we all talk about the pressure of playing against top teams, but we’re not fully aware of the pressure they’re under. First of all, I’m not suggesting that a guy who has three ducks in his last three games is under pressure because of his place in the side. No.”
India have publicly backed Abhishek and the left-hander remains central to their plans at the top. Conrad’s comments suggested respect rather than rejection, although he pointed to wider expectations surrounding the Indian side.
ANOTHER PHASE, ANOTHER TEST
Recent history favors India. During South Africa’s tour of India in December 2025, the hosts won the T20I series 3–1 with one match dropped. However, Conrad suggested that the bilateral format does not define World Cup competitions.
South Africa have the tools to challenge India’s weaknesses. With Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and Aiden Markram providing spin options, the Proteas could test India’s occasional struggles against finger spin. Their batting line-up, which featured Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Markram and Tristan Stubbs, also looked sharp.
India may be unbeaten, but Ahmedabad presents a sterner test. For Conrad, the belief is simple – pressure can tip big games and South Africa intend to make sense of it.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 21, 2026