Form. That’s what the India cricket team prioritised, beginning their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Sanju Samson was the incumbent opener and wicketkeeper. But following his failure against New Zealand and Ishan Kishan‘s golden touch, the latter was chosen to open with Abhishek Sharma.
Well, the tables have turned. India was unsure about the second opener before. Now, it’s the first one. Abhishek has bagged 3 consecutive ducks. Making many raises concerns. India had selected Kishan on the basis of form just 2 weeks ago. Will they do so for Super 8, which begins with the India vs South Africa match on February 22?
Any chance for Sanju Samson?
To begin with, one has to realise Samson and Abhishek aren’t the same. Both were in the form of their lives in 2024, yet by the end of 2025, Samson was on the bench. Meanwhile, Abhishek was the number one-ranked batter. Now, granted, Samson was rested to accommodate Shubman Gill. But there was a reason why Abhishek wasn’t rested.
Three ducks can’t change the pecking order, considering he’s still considered the best batter in the world. India’s assistant coach Morne Morkel was asked about Abhishek, and the former fast bowler confirmed that Samson won’t be brought into the team for Abhishek.
“Abhishek is a world-class player. Luckily, there were guys standing up with Abhishek, obviously not scoring the runs he would like. But we’re going through a very important phase of the World Cup now, and I’m pretty sure he’s going to deliver. He’s hitting the ball well in the nets. It’s just a matter of getting that start and getting his innings going,” Morkel told reporters in Ahmedabad
Can Washington Sundar continue?
Against the Netherlands, Axar Patel was rested. Washington Sundar was picked to ensure he’s match-ready if need be. The 26-year-old hadn’t played a match since injuring himself against New Zealand in early January. But can he continue over Axar?
Now, Washington has a case. South Africa has three left-handers: Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and David Miller. He can bowl in the powerplay and middle overs. He’s a flexible bowler. But unlike Axar, he hasn’t proven enough, especially with the bat.
Axar is India’s second spin basher, after Shivam Dube. One doesn’t know what role Washington can play. Making such a change, unless forced to, for a match like India vs South Africa, just doesn’t make sense at the moment.
“It was a perfect opportunity to allow Washington to play. Obviously, coming back from injury. So, I can say that he passed that game with flying colours, and recovered well the next day. So again, leading into the Super 8s now gives us a lot more options in terms of combinations and ways we can set up and go with. Looking forward to it in the tournament,” Morkel said.
Predicted India Playing XI vs South Africa
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Bench: Sanju Samson (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar
