Ahmedabad, February 21 – India’s T20 World Cup journey hits Super 8 fever pitch with a blockbuster against South Africa looming Sunday at Narendra Modi Stadium. Group toppers India seek momentum, but opening the innings remains a headache. Sanju Samson emerges as a frontrunner to replace faltering Abhishek Sharma, pairing with Ishan Kishan.
Abhishek’s pre-World Cup heroics – world No. 1 T20 batter status – evaporated in the tournament. Zero runs from three innings have shaken him, amplifying team concerns. Net practice on Friday night illuminated possibilities: Samson, enduring long stints against seam and spin, stroked fluently.
Coach Gautam Gambhir huddled with Abhishek, then had him bowl to Samson – a telling tactic suggesting role fluidity. India’s leftie-heavy batting aids rivals’ planning; Samson’s ambidextrous entry counters that.
T20I ledger vs South Africa: 253 runs, 190+ SR, two centuries in five ties. Post-Namibia World Cup outing, he’s raring. Gambhir’s grooming hints at inclusion. As playoffs beckon, this opener pivot could unlock India’s potency, blending experience with explosiveness for Super 8 success.