Former Indian cricketers Sanjay Bangar and Varun Aaron have stressed that South Africa has a clear edge going into the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. They felt the Proteas side is currently the favourite to beat India in their opening Super 8 game on February 22 in Ahmedabad.
Sanjay Bangar backs South Africa before T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8
Bangar, former Indian batting coach and RCB head coach, believes that South Africa is in a very comfortable position at this point of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. He pointed out that they have played most of their matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Notably, South Africa played three games out of their group-stage games in Ahmedabad, and they will also play two of their three Super 8 matches at the same venue. Bangar noted that staying in one city means less travel, more rest, and better recovery time, and it can make a big difference.
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Ahmedabad factor gives Proteas big boost
Sanjay Bangar was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, “It is indeed a big advantage. Also, [they are] not travelling. If they’re settled at one particular place, then it gives more time for rest and rehab purposes as well. So, South Africa having that long experience, it’s like they’re playing in a familiar territory now—just like what Sri Lanka is doing, playing in their own backyard, just like what India is doing.”
The Proteas were outstanding in the group stage, winning all four matches to finish on top of their group. They beat Canada by a big margin, edged Afghanistan in a dramatic Super Over, and comfortably defeated New Zealand—all in Ahmedabad. Their only game outside Ahmedabad was in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where they also recorded a solid win over the UAE.
Subcontinent experience gives an extra advantage to South Africa
Another factor working in their favour is experience. Bangar pointed out that many South African players are used to playing in Indian and subcontinent conditions, thanks to regular exposure in the IPL, so they clearly have an extra advantage in the Super 8 round.
He added, “The number of players that play in subcontinent conditions, I think they’ve got very good exposure of what to do at that particular venue. So clearly an advantage to South Africa.”
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Varun Aaron warns rivals of South Africa ahead of Super 8s
Meanwhile, former India pacer Varun Aaron also feels South Africa looks balanced in both batting and bowling. The cricket pandit warned India, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe that the Proteas side can be even more dangerous, even if Kagiso Rabada hits peak form.
Varun Aaron said during the same discussion, “South Africa, number one, they have a very good team, very balanced. If just Rabada switches it on at the right time, they will look even more dangerous. But them playing a couple of games in Ahmedabad gives them a slight edge. A few players have represented Gujarat Titans. So, it gives them that sense of familiarity.”
After facing India, South Africa will take on the West Indies in Ahmedabad before wrapping up the Super 8 round of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 against Zimbabwe in Delhi.
