Ravi Shastri Backs India to Stick with Winning Combination Against South Africa

Ravi Shastri is backing the Indian team to go with the same Playing XI that defeated Netherlands in the last match. He does not expect big changes in the team, as the key players are performing well at the moment.

"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," said Ravi Shastri.

"When there's dew around, you need that extra bowling option. Whether it's a Shivam Dube, whether it's Hardik (Pandya) bowling his full quota of overs, whether it's Tilak Varma who might roll his arm for an over or two, you need those options. I don't think they'll tinker with the side. I think the team that played in the last game was a good side.” added Ravi Shastri.

He then expressed satisfaction with how different players have stood up for India in crucial moments. According to Shastri, this makes India a well-rounded team that is hard to beat in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

"I think the positive (for India) is that in every game there's been someone who stood up. It has been Ishan Kishan, sometimes Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) in the first game. Tilak Varma has played his part. He's got off to starts but I still think the best of him is still to come," added Ravi Shastri.

Shasti believes the upcoming India vs South Africa match is going to be a cracking contest, as both teams have performed well so far. He expects South Africa to come hard at India, as their players are also in great form.

"There's a lot of self-belief and you know it's going to be a cracking contest because South Africa are no pushovers, they'll compete for sure. And it's a repeat of the World Cup final of 2024, so everyone's looking forward to it," concluded Ravi Shastri.