Shastri Backs India’s Best XI With All Bases Covered Ahead of Super Eight vs South Africa
India are rolling. Twelve consecutive T20 World Cup wins, a dominant group stage, and now former coach Ravi Shastri publicly declaring that the two-time champions may have already found their best playing XI. The T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights begin Sunday, February 22, and India’s first assignment is a blockbuster rematch against South Africa — the exact same opponents they beat in the 2024 final. Get the full Super Eights schedule and fixture list to plan your match-watching week.
Shastri’s verdict in one line: India have depth, options, and match-winners throughout the lineup — don’t expect changes from the Netherlands XI.
India’s 12-Match World Cup Winning Streak — The Numbers Are Staggering
Before getting into team selection, let’s appreciate what India have built at T20 World Cups. Twelve wins in a row is not luck — it is a system, a culture, and a squad deep enough to absorb any situation.
| Metric | India’s T20 WC Record |
|---|---|
| Current winning streak | 12 matches |
| Group stage result 2026 | Unbeaten — 4 wins from 4 |
| Last defeat at T20 WC | Before this current streak |
| Super Eight Group | Group 1 (with SA, WI, Zimbabwe) |
| First Super Eight opponent | South Africa — Feb 22, Ahmedabad |
That is the platform India bring into the Super Eights. No pressure, no panic — just clarity and confidence.
Shastri’s Team Selection Call — Why India Won’t Tinker
Shastri was unambiguous. He told The ICC Review that India will likely go with the same XI that beat the Netherlands, citing the squad’s all-round depth as the key reason.
“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, you need options,” Shastri said.
He specifically highlighted the value of having multiple bowling options when dew is a factor — something that becomes critical in evening Super Eight matches. Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma all offer those additional bowling overs that give India tactical flexibility no other team can quite match.
India’s Likely Playing XI vs South Africa
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Virat Kohli
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Washington Sundar / Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
The Only Real Selection Dilemma: Axar or Sundar?
Shastri acknowledged one genuine selection headache — Axar Patel vs Washington Sundar. These are not like-for-like alternatives, which makes the choice genuinely interesting.
| Player | Type | Batting Ability | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axar Patel | Left-arm spin | Very handy lower-order | Rested vs Netherlands |
| Washington Sundar | Off-break | Equally capable with bat | Played vs Netherlands (comeback) |
Sundar was brought back against the Netherlands specifically to get game time after an injury layoff. That suggests the team management wanted him match-ready before the tournament’s business end. Whether he holds his place ahead of Axar — who offers a different spinning angle — is the one call the selectors are still weighing up.
For context on how both spinners could influence the Super Eight group picture, check the Group 1 Super Eights standings as results come in.
Shastri’s Hidden Gem Observation: Abhishek Sharma’s Zeroes Are Actually a Good Sign
This is a fascinating take. Abhishek Sharma has scored three ducks in this tournament. For most analysts, that’s a red flag. For Shastri, it’s actually a tactical silver lining.
“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,” Shastri said.
The logic makes sense in a strange way. Opposition teams preparing against India will have noted Abhishek’s failures — but they may have underestimated what he can do when he finally clicks. In knockout-stage cricket, an in-form, hungry batter with something to prove is a very dangerous thing.
India vs South Africa — World Cup Final Rematch
This is the match everyone wanted. India vs South Africa at Ahmedabad on February 22 is a direct replay of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where India claimed a nerve-wracking seven-wicket win to lift the trophy.
South Africa are unbeaten in this tournament too, and they know Ahmedabad — having played three of their four group games there, including an epic against Afghanistan. Both teams have ground knowledge, both teams have momentum, and both teams have world-class match-winners.
“This is two of the strongest teams, one would say, playing in this tournament,” Shastri said — and it’s hard to argue.
Key Factors for India vs South Africa Super Eight
- Dew factor at Ahmedabad will be significant — toss could be crucial
- South Africa’s familiarity with the venue works both ways
- India’s 12-match streak adds psychological pressure on the Proteas
- Repeat of the 2024 final adds massive narrative stakes
Follow all the latest T20 WC 2026 team news and tournament updates as the Super Eights heat up.
FAQs
What did Ravi Shastri say about India’s XI for the Super Eights? Shastri said India will likely keep the same XI that beat the Netherlands, calling the squad well-balanced with all bases covered.
Who is India playing first in the T20 WC 2026 Super Eights? India face South Africa on February 22, 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad — a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
What is India’s T20 World Cup winning streak in 2026? India extended their T20 World Cup winning streak to 12 matches after the group stage concluded with a win over the Netherlands.
What is the Axar Patel vs Washington Sundar dilemma for India? Both are quality spinners who bat well, but Sundar played the Netherlands game for match practice after injury. Whether Axar returns is India’s main selection call.
Why does Shastri think Abhishek Sharma’s ducks are a positive? Shastri believes opposition teams will underestimate Sharma after his failures, making him a dangerous player when he finally clicks in the knockout stages.
Which group is India in for the Super Eights at T20 WC 2026? India are in Super Eights Group 1 alongside South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe.
