Team India and South Africa have lived up to their billing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, finishing at the top of their respective groups without conceding a single defeat. Both sides displayed consistency, composure and class through the league phase, underlining why they are considered two of the strongest contenders for the title.

As the tournament moves into the Super 8 stage, the stakes rise significantly. Interestingly, both teams find themselves placed in Group 1 alongside West Indies and Zimbabwe. While those sides are capable of producing upsets, the spotlight firmly remains on the much-anticipated clash between India and South Africa — the finalists of the previous edition. Expectations are sky-high, with fans eagerly awaiting another high-quality contest between two heavyweights of world cricket.

Amid the build-up, former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock has identified two Indian bowlers who, in his view, could tilt the balance in this crucial encounter.

Shaun Pollock picks difference-makers in India’s bowling lineup

Speaking on the SuperSport ICC T20 Men’s World Cup Round Table, Pollock pointed to Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy as the key bowlers who give India a potential edge.

“When I look down at the lineups, I think for me, the point of difference is the two bowlers in Bumrah and Chakaravarthy,” Pollock said.

While acknowledging South Africa’s bowling quality, Pollock stressed that it is the rare and unconventional nature of these two Indian bowlers that sets them apart. He described Bumrah as unorthodox, highlighting his unique wrist position and ability to deliver across all phases of the game. Whether it is striking early in the Powerplay with the new ball, applying pressure in the middle overs, or executing pinpoint yorkers at the death, Bumrah’s versatility makes him a constant threat.

“Not saying that South Africa haven’t got some quality, but it’s just the rare nature of the way they kind of deliver the ball that gives them maybe that little bit of an edge. Bumrah is very unorthodox. He’s got a wonderful wrist position. He bowls brilliantly in the Powerplays with a new ball, if he has to in the middle, and his death bowling is pretty exceptional as well,” added Pollock.

Pollock further explained that Chakaravarthy’s control in the middle overs is equally crucial. According to him, the mystery spinner’s strength lies in his adaptability. Regardless of whether a left-hander or right-hander is at the crease, Chakaravarthy can dictate terms through clever variations and sharp reading of match-ups. That ability to neutralize batters and manage the tempo in the middle phase, Pollock suggested, gives India “a little bit of an edge” in the bowling department.

“And then who controls the middle overs for them? Chakaravarthy…When you talk about matchups. He’s a guy who can, doesn’t matter who’s at the crease, whether it’s left hand or right hand that comes to the crease, he is a guy who can dictate to him. So, I think they’ve just got a little bit of an edge over us in that department,” Pollock added further.

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Star power on both sides promises a thrilling contest

While Bumrah and Chakaravarthy have been singled out as 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 central to their batting plans, supported by explosive opener Abhishek Sharma and the dynamic all-round trio of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. Their ability to accelerate at different stages makes India’s batting lineup both flexible and dangerous.

South Africa, too, carry immense firepower. Captain Aiden Markram leads a unit featuring pace spearhead Marco Jansen, the experienced Lungi Ngidi and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Young talents like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs add further depth and unpredictability to the Proteas’ lineup.

Also READ: ICC announces complete list of teams qualified for the T20 World Cup 2028

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