Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has picked his playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against South Africa. He reckoned the co-hosts should field the same XI that played against the USA in the tournament opener.
India will face South Africa in their first T20 World Cup Super 8 clash, which is scheduled to take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 22. Although Bumrah was not part of India's playing XI against the USA due to illness, after that, he featured in all three games.
Axar Patel to come in place of Washington Sundar
Harbhajan, who was a part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad, opined that Axar Patel's return is the only change in India's playing XI against South Africa.
"I don't think there will be any change. Yes, Axar will definitely play. He will return. You will see the team that you saw playing in the first match against the USA, and that was the absolutely correct team. Axar is your team's vice-captain. He is a proper bowler, whether there is a left-hander or a right-hander in front," said Harbhajan Singh on Star Sports.
Harbhajan Singh on Arshdeep Singh
Harbhajan also added that Arshdeep Singh will play a crucial role for India in the Ahmedabad pitch, considering his ability to pick wickets with the new ball.
"I feel you will see that team only here. Arshdeep Singh's role increases. He swings the new ball and picks up wickets. You don't need as many spinners here as were required in Colombo. So it's a back-to-normal kind of scenario. Everyone selects themselves," Harbhajan observed.
When and where will IND vs SA Super 8 clash take place?
India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash will take place on February 22 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Harbhajan Singh's playing XI for the South Africa tie
Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy.