India will face South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 22. Both teams are unbeaten in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, believes the defending champions might feel the pressure of expectations.
As the teams prepare for the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Conrad expressed confidence. He mentioned that his team aims to use the pressure as motivation. He noted that although both teams have high stakes, the title holders may be under more scrutiny.
“Facing a team like India brings a lot of attention. There are huge expectations, and reaching the semi-finals is nearly assumed, with advancing to the final being the next goal. We hope to capitalize on that pressure,” Conrad said.
He made it clear that Abhishek Sharma is still on their radar, despite his three scoreless innings. Conrad emphasized that a short dip in performance doesn’t make a player any less dangerous.
“Pressure is a part of such contests, affecting both sides equally. We often discuss the challenges of leading a team, but we don’t always think about the pressure players face. A player who has experienced three ducks is not necessarily worried about losing their spot,” Conrad added.
The Indian team has confirmed that Abhishek is still a key part of their opening lineup. Conrad, however, approached the topic thoughtfully, respecting the left-hander despite the criticism around his recent performances.
