India and South Africa are evenly matched after both teams made it to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 with an unbeaten run in the group stage. When they clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday, the Proteas batters have an uphill task of facing Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy, who Shaun Pollock thinks make India the favourites.
The former South Africa skipper says it would be the bowling that would make the difference and here India have an edge.
“I think South Africa and India have personnel who match each other on the day (but) I think the batting line-ups cancel each other out. The point of difference is in two bowlers, Bumrah and Chakravarthy,” Pollock was quoted as saying by The Sowetan.
“South Africa have quality, but it’s the rare nature of the way they (Bumrah and Varun) deliver the ball that gives them an edge.”
Pollock continued and lauded Bumrah’s skills with the ball and probably one of the greatest fast bowlers to come from India. “He has a wonderful wrist position. He bowls brilliantly with the new ball in the powerplay, does the same in the middle and his death bowling is exceptional,” Pollock said.
Describing Varun, Pollock said the mystery that he brings to his bowling is the x-factor and when on song he can really control the game. South Africa would miss out on a spinner with such skills, added Pollock.
“Chakravarthy controls the middle overs for them. It doesn’t matter if it’s a left-hander or a right-hander, he is a guy who can dictate terms,” Pollock said.
“If we had a mystery spinner, like for example (Tabraiz) Shamsi, South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in T20s, who provides the option of a bowler who can spin it away from the left-hander and right-hander, it just gives you more control,” he explained.
South Africa have looked a balanced side in all departments while on the other hand India’s top-order is yet to fire. The Proteas bowlers would look to exploit this weakness and put the host’s middle-order under pressure. Lungi Ngidi has led the attack impressively so far, while Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch have produced excellent spells. On the spin front, Keshav Maharaj and George Linde carry the main responsibility, with captain Aiden Markram available as a part-time option.
