Because the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 shifts into excessive gear, the Tremendous 8 stage presents a mouth-watering conflict between two undefeated heavyweights: India and South Africa. Set to happen on the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22, this fixture carries important weight for the Males in Blue as they appear to defend their crown. Amidst the tactical buzz, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter and famend commentator Deep Dasgupta has weighed in on the choice complications going through the Indian administration, particularly relating to the stability of the bowling assault.
Deep Dasgupta reveals his India XI selections for the Tremendous 8 conflict in opposition to South Africa
Dasgupta believes that India’s last XI will hinge on two “interconnected” selections, primarily involving the selection between spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. In response to Dasgupta, the choice isn’t just in regards to the particular person gamers, however how they facilitate the utilization of India’s spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah.
“If Arshdeep Singh is enjoying, they could go together with Axar Patel,” Dasgupta famous throughout an interplay on Star Sports activities. Nonetheless, he argued that if the crew decides to bench Arshdeep to bolster one other division, Sundar turns into the first selection. The rationale lies in Sundar’s proficiency with the brand new ball. By having Washington bowl the preliminary powerplay overs, captain Suryakumar Yadav positive aspects the “freedom” to protect Bumrah’s 4 overs for high-impact phases later within the innings.
Dasgupta additionally identified that South Africa’s batting lineup—that includes left-handers like Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and David Miller—makes a compelling case for Washington’s off-spin. He noticed that Washington was doubtless given a recreation in opposition to the Netherlands particularly to get into the groove for this particular tactical matchup. Importantly, Dasgupta reassured followers that choosing Sundar over Axar wouldn’t harm the crew’s batting depth, stating that “Washington is not any mug with the bat both” on the quantity eight place.
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India’s dominant path with an unbeaten streak to the Tremendous 8s
India enter the Tremendous 8 stage using a large wave of momentum, having completed the group stage with an ideal document. Their journey by Group A was a testomony to their scientific consistency, securing 4 wins in as many matches.
The Males in Blue kicked off their marketing campaign with a 29-run victory over the USA, adopted by a dominant 93-run win in opposition to Namibia. The high-voltage conflict in opposition to arch-rivals Pakistan in Colombo noticed India emerge victorious by 61 runs, a outcome that successfully sealed their development. Of their last group recreation in opposition to the Netherlands in Ahmedabad, India posted a formidable 193/6, headlined by Shivam Dube’s explosive 66 off 31 balls. Regardless of a spirited chase from the Dutch, India held their nerve to win by 17 runs, extending their T20I profitable streak to an unbelievable 12 matches.
This unbeaten run has been outlined by a distinct “Participant of the Match” in practically each recreation, from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya to Ishan Kishan and Dube, showcasing a squad the place everyone seems to be contributing to the collective aim.
Deep Dasgupta’s predicted India XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
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