Overview:
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav is amongst the runs of late. He can make things count with a big knock. For the Proteas, Aiden Markram can be a chief architect with his consistency upfront.
The Indian men’s cricket team is set to take on South Africa in the 43rd match of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup campaign, starting February 22. Notably, this match will be held at 7:00 pm IST at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Before this clash, England and Sri Lanka face each other in Pallekele.
India are the defending champions and are aiming to win their 3rd T20 World Cup. They won the inaugural tournament in 2007. Notably, South Africa, who played the final of 2024 T20 World Cup, is yet to win the coveted prize.
India, under Suryakumar Yadav, will be aiming to remain unscathed. They suffered a scare against the USA at the Wankhede, being reduced to 43/4 and 76/6 before a SKY special turned things around. Thereafter, they tamed Namibia by 93 runs. A massive win followed next against Pakistan. The Netherlands were crushed next.
For the Proteas, they won all four of their Group matches. A statement win over New Zealand and a double Super Over victory following a tie against the Afghans were highlights.
What is the Context of the IND vs SA match?
India would want to see Abhishek Sharma come good after the southpaw faltered with three ducks in his 1st three T20 World Cup outings. India have enough firepower in the mix. With the ball, Varun Chakravarthy has been clinical.
On the other hand, South Africa have plenty of options in the mix to pack a punch. Their versatile side will be backed to give India a stiff competition.
In terms of the head-to-head record, India and South Africa have met 7 times at the T20 World Cup. India own a 5-2 win-loss record. Overall, in T20Is, the teams have clashed 35 times. India own 21 wins compared to South Africa’s 13. One match didn’t have a result.
India – Probable Playing XI
Abhishek Sharma: The star batter is yet to score in his debut T20 World Cup, bagging 0, 0 and 0 from three outings.
Ishan Kishan (wk): He has enjoyed batting since making a return against New Zealand in the bilateral T20I series. He is India’s top scorer in this T20 WC 2026.
Tilak Varma: He has got starts with the bat in all four T20 World Cup games. He started with three successive scores of 25 before managing a knock of 31 against the Netherlands.
Suryakumar Yadav (c): The Indian skipper has managed to score 162 runs from 4 matches at 54.
Shivam Dube: A fierce player, Dube perished for a duck against the USA. He responded with a 23-run knock against Namibia and then 27 versus Pakistan. He smashed a clutch fifty against the Netherlands.
Hardik Pandya: The star all-rounder has done a reasonable job with bat and ball for India in this ongoing tournament.
Axar Patel: He could return to the scheme of things after being replaced by Washington Sundar in the clash against the Netherlands.
Rinku Singh: He will be useful in the backend of India’s innings. Rinku has to be ready and take on the Proteas at the death.
Jasprit Bumrah: He will lead the Indian attack. Bumrah will be key both at the top and in the death overs. He owns 4 scalps from three matches at 13-plus.
Varun Chakravarthy: He will be the main spinner in India’s ranks. He owns an average of 15-plus in T20Is and has 68 wickets.
Arshdeep Singh: He owns three scalps from three T20 WC 2026 matches.
Player to watch out for (Suryakumar Yadav): The aggressive Indian skipper is amongst the runs of late. He can dictate the show against a quality Protea side with a big knock.
South Africa – Probable Playing XI
Aiden Markram: The SA skipper owns 178 runs from 4 matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup at 59.33.
Quinton de Kock (wk): The veteran batter had a dream SA20 campaign and has been amongst the runs of late. He has 118 runs from 4 games in the ongoing tourney.
Ryan Rickelton: He will be a force in the number three slot. He has scored 145 runs from 4 matches so far.
Dewald Brevis: He brings aggression and shot-making with his game. Brevis is yet to make a big impression. He has 86 runs from 4 outings so far in this tournament.
Tristan Stubbs: A countable figure, Stubbs has scored 41 runs from 4 matches (3 innings) at 41 in the ongoing tournament.
David Miller: A veteran batter, Miller has a wealth of experience and class riding. He remains unbeaten across three innings so far.
Marco Jansen: The star bowling all-rounder brings substance and value. He has 7 scalps from three matches.
Corbin Bosch: The all-rounder has taken 5 wickets from three matches at 14.60.
Keshav Maharaj: He will lead the Proteas spin attack. He has picked up two wickets from three matches at 39.50.
Kagiso Rabada: The speedster hasn’t been impressive in the ongoing tourney. He owns just 2 scalps from 4 matches at 67.50.
Lungi Ngidi: The right-arm pacer has been SA’s best bowler. Ngidi can deliver a punch and take the game to India.
Player to watch out for (Aiden Markram): The senior opener has been batting strongly of late. He can set the tone for his side and has de Kock to support him.
Top Batters for Dream11
In terms of the Dream11 team pick, among batters, the likes of Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav can be wise picks alongside Shivam Dube.
Ishan Kishan can be a differential pick. He promises fireworks and a sound tempo.
Best All-Rounders to Boost Points
In terms of all-rounders, one can go with two sound options in the form of Hardik Pandya and Corbin Bosch.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
The likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy can be wise picks. Lungi Ngidi can be another option.
Captain and Vice-captain picks
Kishan can be an ideal captaincy option with Markram being the vice-captain pick.
One can mix it with Rickelton being picked as captain and Pandya as the vice-captain.
Pitch Report & Venue Conditions
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batters will need to show patience early on, as scoring freely may not be easy at the start. However, once set, they can accelerate and post strong totals, especially in the latter half of the innings. For bowlers, wickets may come at a premium due to the flat nature of the surface and the large outfield, which often turns good shots into singles rather than boundaries. Bowlers will need to work hard for wickets and bowl nice varieties and in tight channels.
Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?
All things considered, India are the favourites given the nature of the wicket and their form in T20Is. They have plenty of batting firepower, which can unsettle the SA side. Meanwhile, SA will be keen to produce their A game and test India.
FAQs About IND vs SA Playing 11
Who are the key players in the IND vs SA clash?
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav is amongst the runs of late. He can make things count with a big knock. For the Proteas, Aiden Markram can be a chief architect with his consistency upfront.