The T20 World Cup Super 8 narrative heats up in Ahmedabad, where India meets South Africa Sunday amid opening slot debates. Seamless group stage run belies top-order turbulence. With Abhishek Sharma’s confidence crumbling after three successive ducks, eyes turn to Sanju Samson for an Ishan Kishan opening alliance.
Abhishek dazzled pre-tournament, reigning as top T20 batter. Cup flops – scoreless in every game – spotlight vulnerabilities. Friday’s illuminated nets revealed Samson’s mastery: prolonged facing of pacers and turn, in vintage form.
Gambhir’s Abhishek pep talk morphed into bowling duties to Samson, breeding playing XI rumors. Left-hand bias in India’s lineup favors opponents; righty Samson rectifies.
Versus South Africa: 5 T20Is, 253 runs @ 190+ SR, dual hundreds. Namibia marked his Cup bow, but nets affirm peak readiness. Team strategy evolves for balanced attack. Sunday’s verdict could redefine India’s campaign, leveraging Samson’s Proteas prowess for Super 8 glory.