Former India cricketer-turned commentator Varun Aaron believes Aiden Markram will be the biggest threat to India in their first Super 8 fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, 21 February. The two teams will lock horns in Match 43 of the tournament at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Ahead of the all-important fixture, Aaron has warned India about the in-form Markram. The South Africa captain has been the leading run-scorer for his team so far, having amassed 178 runs from four innings at an average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 187.36, with two half-centuries to his name. Aaron believes Markram has the technique to counter India’s most prized weapon, Jasprit Bumrah.
“But Aiden Markram, for me, is the most dangerous batter because he has the technique to counter Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah with the new ball has obviously been in prime form, and so has Hardik Pandya,” Aaron said on Star Sports.
Aaron also suggested bringing Washington Sundar into the playing XI in place of Kuldeep Yadav, who featured in his first match of the tournament against Pakistan. The left-arm spinner claimed one wicket for 14 runs in three overs.
Should India play Washington against SA?
“Against South Africa, I might be tempted to play Washington Sundar. They have four really good left-handers if you include Marco Jansen. Jansen, especially, along with Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock, is in great form, and then you have David Miller. An off-spinner gives you that extra advantage. Knowing Ahmedabad, they might play on a slower black-soil wicket, which could bring the spinners into the game. So, if you look back at the Pakistan match, they might consider playing Washington instead of Kuldeep in the XI,” he added.
Sundar played in the previous fixture against the Netherlands in place of Axar Patel after having joined the squad ahead of their second clash against Namibia. However, India might also be tempted to continue with Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI, who returned to the team, replacing Kuldeep Yadav. Hence, the hosts are set to face a selection dilemma for the crucial fixture.
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