Team India and South Africa lived up to his own reckoning ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026without any defeat, it is ranked at the top of its groups. Both sides have shown consistency, composure and class in the league stage, highlighting why they are considered the two strongest contenders for the title.
As the tournament moves into the Super 8 stage, the stakes increase significantly. It is interesting that both teams are in the 1st group West India and Zimbabwe. While these sides could cause upsets, the focus remains on the much-anticipated clash between India and South Africa, the finalists of the previous edition. Expectations are high, with fans looking forward to yet another high-quality contest between two heavyweights of world cricket.
Former South African captain during the build-up Shaun Pollock he has identified two Indian bowlers who, in his opinion, can tip the balance in this crucial encounter.
Shaun Pollock picks the difference makers in India’s bowling ranks
Speaking at the SuperSport ICC T20 Men’s World Cup Round Table, Pollock said, jasprit bumrah and Varun Chakraborty As the main bowlers who gave India a potential advantage.
“When I look at the squad, I think the difference for me is the two bowlers in Bumrah and Chakaravarthy.” Pollock said.
While acknowledging the quality of South Africa’s bowling, Pollock emphasized that it was the rare and unconventional nature of the two Indian bowlers that set them apart. He describes Bumrah as extraordinary, highlighting his unique wrist position and ability to perform in all phases of the game. Whether it’s hitting early in the Powerplay with the new ball, applying pressure in the middle or executing accurate yorkers at the death, Bumrah’s versatility makes him a constant threat.
“I’m not saying South Africa don’t have some quality, but it’s the rare nature of the way they deliver the ball that perhaps gives them such an advantage. Bumrah is very unusual. He has a nice wrist position. He bats brilliantly with the new ball in the Powerplays, if he has to be in the middle, and his death bowling is also beautiful.” Pollock added.
Pollock further explained that Chakaravarthy’s control in the middle innings was equally important. According to him, the mystery spinner’s strength lies in its adaptability. Whether a left-hander or a right-hander is at the crease, Chakravarthy can dictate terms with clever changes and sharp reading of matchups. According to Pollock, neutralizing the overs and controlling the pace in the middle overs gives India “a bit of an edge” in the bowling department.
“So who’s controlling the middle innings for them? Chakravarthy… When you talk about matchups. He’s a guy who can, no matter who’s coming to the crease, left-hander or right-hander, he’s a guy who can dictate it. So I think they’ve been a little bit out with us in that department.” Pollock added.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: India vs South Africa Super 8 Ticket Prices, Booking Details
The star power on both sides promises an exciting contest
While Bumrah and Chakaravarthy stand out as the key figures, both teams boast a galaxy of match-winners capable of setting the stage on fire.
For India, Captain Suryakumar Yadav will once again be the centerpiece of explosive switch-backed batting plans Abhishek Sharma and a dynamic all-round trio Hardik PandyaAkhar Patel and Shivam Dubey. Their ability to accelerate at different stages makes India’s batting line-up both nimble and dangerous.
South Africa also has great firepower. captain Aiden Markram tempi leads the spearhead unit Marco Jansenexperienced Good luck and left arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Young talents like it Devald Brewis and Tristan Stubbs Add even more depth and unpredictability to the Proteas’ lineup.
