IND vs SA: Aiden Markram will become a problem for Abhishek Sharma, what do the statistics say?

India and South Africa are to compete today in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. This is the first match of both the teams in Super-8. Eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma in this match to be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This young opening batsman of Team India is yearning for a few runs in this tournament. Abhishek has appeared on the field in three matches and his account has not been opened all three times.

Against America, he was caught in deep cover off the bowling of fast bowler Ali Khan. After this, Abhishek became the victim of off-spinner against Pakistan and Netherlands. While Pakistani captain Salman Ali Aga had him caught at mid-on, Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt clean bowled Abhishek. After being out in front of off-spin in two consecutive matches, there is every possibility that South African captain Aiden Markram will also be seen bowling in Ahmedabad.

Also read: Fast bowler or spinner, who will wreak havoc in Ahmedabad?

Markram has made complete preparations

The Indian batting line-up is dominated by left-handed batsmen. There is not a single right hander in the top-3. Keeping this in view, the off-spinner is being started against Team India. The South African team can also adopt the same strategy. Markram has been seen bowling a lot in the nets in Ahmedabad. In such a situation, it is certain that he will bowl the first over during India’s batting, due to which Abhishek Sharma’s problems may increase again.

In T20 International matches, Abhishek scores runs against off spin in the powerplay at a strike rate of 152.08, while his strike rate against leg spin and left arm spin is around 220. He has played 40 off spin balls in the powerplay, on which he has been out 3 times. These figures show that things will become difficult for Abhishek if Markram bowls in the beginning.

Also read: Dhoni will play in IPL 2026, is this news good or bad for CSK fans?

Probable playing XI of both the teams:

India – Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakraborty.

South Africa – Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickleton, Dewald Brewis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Yanson, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada/Anrique Norkhia, Lungi Ngidi