As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 heats up, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind the defending champions’ current lineup, calling it a well-balanced unit with “all bases covered.”
India, who stormed through the group stage unbeaten with four convincing wins, including a dominant victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday, are set to face South Africa in a blockbuster Super Eight opener on Sunday.
Shastri, speaking on The ICC Review, emphasised the depth and versatility in India’s squad, which has extended their T20 World Cup winning streak to 12 matches. “I think it will be pretty much the same side because you’ve got depth, you’ve got all bases covered, you’ve got options,” he said. He highlighted the flexibility in bowling, particularly under dew conditions, where players like Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and even Tilak Varma could provide extra overs.
The team’s performances have been marked by contributions from various players across the group stage. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav shone in early games, while Tilak Varma has shown promise with solid starts. Shastri remains optimistic about young opener Abhishek Sharma, who has yet to score in three outings: “I look at it as a positive that Abhishek Sharma has got three zeros. So, save your best for the important periods in the tournament. Teams will be a little worried that he’s not got runs.”
One potential selection headache for India is the spin department. Shastri noted the choice between left-arm spinner Axar Patel and off-spinner Washington Sundar, both of whom offer batting depth. Sundar, returning from injury, replaced Patel in the Netherlands game to gain match practice ahead of the knockout phases. “The only dilemma is whether to play Axar Patel or Washington Sundar,” Shastri added.
India finds itself in Super Eight Group 1 alongside Zimbabwe, West Indies, and South Africa. The clash with the Proteas at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is a rematch of the 2024 final, where India edged a thrilling seven-wicket victory to claim their second title. Both teams enter the stage unbeaten, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter.
“There’s a lot of self-belief, and you know it’s going to be a cracking contest because South Africa are no pushovers,” Shastri said. He praised South Africa’s batting depth and form, labeling the matchup as one between two of the tournament’s strongest sides. Familiarity with the venue could play a role—South Africa played three group games there, including evening fixtures against New Zealand and Canada, while India featured in their final group match at the stadium.
Shastri warned that dew could be a game-changer, making the toss crucial: “Dew can make a lot of difference. Toss can play a crucial role in games like this.” As hosts, India may hold a slight edge, but South Africa will be eager to avenge their 2024 heartbreak.
With the tournament entering its business end, Shastri’s endorsement underscores India’s confidence. ICC Digital Insider Sanjana Ganesan and former England captain Nasser Hussain, reviewing India’s group stage dominance, echoed the sentiment of a team firing on all cylinders.
As the Super Eights unfold, all eyes will be on whether India’s “embarrassment of riches” can propel them toward a third T20 World Cup crown.
