India stuck to their winning combination and continued to omit vice-captain Axar Patel in the Super 8 match against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22.
IND vs SA, Super 8: UPDATE | SCORECARD
The defending champions showed faith in the XI that saw them through the group stage, opting for stability in a high-pressure clash. Meanwhile, South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bat first in Ahmedabad.
At the toss, captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that there would be no changes to the playing XI, despite questions over Axar’s extended absence from the playing side.
“Very harsh on Axar Patel, we are going with the same team. So no changes,” said Suryakumar, openly admitting the difficulty of the decision.
Arshdeep returned to the playing XI after missing the match against Pakistan in Colombo where spin conditions were more favourable. With the Ahmedabad surface expected to offer help to both seamers and spinners at various stages, the team management has retained the Punjab seamer for the high stakes contest against the Proteas.
The Proteas made four changes to their side, bringing back Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Marc Jansen and David Miller. The inclusion boosted both their bowling attack and middle-order experience as they prepare for the crucial Super 8 competition.
WHICH COULD HAVE WORKED IN SUNDAR’S FAVOR
India and South Africa played a five-match T20I series only in December last year, with the final being held in Ahmedabad. India posted a mammoth 231 in 20 overs in that game and although South Africa started a strong chase, they eventually fell short of 201. Washington Sundar bowled four tight overs in the match, conceding just 30 runs without claiming a wicket, but maintained decisive control during the middle stages.
Former India pacer Varun Aaron said he would be tempted to include Washington Sundar again against South Africa.
“Against South Africa I might be tempted to play Washington Sundar. They have four really good left-handers if you include Marc Jansen. Jansen in particular, along with Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock, is in great form and then you have David Miller. The off-spinner gives you that extra edge. Knowing Ahmedabad, they could play the slower black, Asoronwick.” he said on Star Sports.
INDIA vs SOUTH AFRICA: PLAYING XI
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
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– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 22, 2026
