Abhishek Sharma’s lean run has become one of the biggest points ahead of India’s Super 8 match against South Africa. But while the focus was firmly on the left-hander’s three consecutive ducks, former India opener Aakash Chopra believes the real contest could be how he handles Aiden Markram – and the wider Proteas bowling attack.
India will take on South Africa for their first Super 8 match in Ahmedabad, with both teams unbeaten in the group stage of this T20 World Cup. Pressure grew around Abhishek outside the dressing room, yet the team management publicly backed him. Even the coach of South Africa Shukri Conrad refused to see the opener’s recent failure as a sign of vulnerability.
However, Chopra focused on head-to-head matches. Analyzing South Africa’s bowling options, the former India batsman pointed out on his YouTube channel that the early overs could dictate the pace of the game.
“You’ll have to watch out for Lungi Ngidi. Lungi Ngidi is a dangerous player because he has a very good cutter, a slower one. That used to be (Lasith) Malinga, (Jasprit) Bumrah or (Dwayne) Bravo. His slower one dips a bit and stays a bit away from the batter. He spins the ball but takes the ball a bit open,” Chopra said.
Ngidi has been South Africa’s best bowler so far this World Cup, taking eight wickets in three innings at an economy rate of 7.58. His variations, especially the slower delivery, could test India’s aggressive top order, including Suryakumar Yadav.
ABHISHEK VS MARKRAM MATCH
Chopra also highlighted the tactical option, Proteas captain Markram took the new ball. The South Africa captain has bowled just two overs and conceded 29 runs without a wicket in the tournament so far, but his off-spin could become relevant against India’s top order.
“Marco Jansen will try to bowl more into your body. He will use the bouncers a bit. Kagiso Rabada’s overs are now finished early. After what happened in the Afghanistan game, he is not held back until the end. They could bowl Markram with the new ball. If he bowls, Abhishek, take a single and go to the other end,” added Chopra.
PROTEAS FIRE POWER ACROSS THE DEPARTMENT
Apart from Ngidi and MarkramaThe South African attack offers depth and variety. Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje and Corbin Bosch bring the pace, while Keshav Maharaj and George Linde bolster the spin options. Against an Indian side that has shown occasional trouble with rotation, these matches could prove crucial.
The Indian dressing room may be calm, but the tactical layers are complex. After being dismissed for 3 ducks in the 3 group stage matches he played for India in the T20 World Cup, he will be on his way to get the ball rolling against South Africa.
Whether or not he can actually open his books in the same fiery way he has in the build-up to this tournament is something that remains entirely for Sunday.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 21, 2026