Abhishek Sharma Not Dropped From Team India Playing XI: India will face South Africa in the Super-8 of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 today i.e. on 22nd February. Before this high-voltage match to be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, discussions are intense regarding the playing eleven of Team India. The Indian team has not lost a single match so far in the entire tournament. There may be a change in India’s playing eleven in the Super-8 match against South Africa today.
Abhishek Sharma will not be dropped from Team India’s playing 11
Till now, T20 World Cup 2026 has been no less than a nightmare for Team India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma. In this tournament, he has scored three consecutive ducks in the last three matches, but he will not be dropped from the team. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has given clear indications of this even before the match. In such a situation, Abhishek will be seen opening with Ishan Kishan against South Africa, while Tilak Verma will come to bat at number 3 and a lot of runs will be expected from him in this important match.
Middle order and bowling line up against South Africa
Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav himself will handle the number-4 position against South Africa, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dubey will play the role of all-rounders. The bowling will be in the hands of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel is expected to be paired with Varun Chakraborty in the spin department.
Akshar Patel will enter Team India in place of Washington Sundar!
A change is almost visible in the bowling department of the Indian team. There is every possibility of Akshar Patel returning to the playing eleven. Axar was rested in the last match, but his record on Ahmedabad pitches and home ground experience may give him priority in place of Washington Sundar.
Team India’s probable playing 11 against South Africa:
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.

