As India gear up for a crucial Super 8 clash against South Africa in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has weighed in on the selection questions facing the team management. With competition intensifying and conditions varying across venues, Bangar believes India’s biggest challenge is not form but decision-making.

Speaking about the possible tweaks to the XI, Bangar stressed that depth can sometimes create dilemmas rather than clarity. “You have to make a choice… it all comes down to the balance you want for that particular surface and opposition,” he said, highlighting how team composition must be tailored to match conditions rather than reputation.

India have rotated players through the tournament, ensuring almost every squad member has had game time. According to Bangar, this strategy could prove invaluable later in the competition. It allows the think tank to pick combinations suited to specific scenarios instead of sticking rigidly to one formula. However, it also means leaving out quality performers — a situation he says is inevitable in a strong squad.

Another concern Bangar pointed out is fielding sharpness. Despite dominating phases of their previous matches, India have put down several chances in recent outings. “If there is one department where they would want improvement, it would be catching,” he remarked, underlining how lapses in the field can undo strong batting or bowling efforts, especially against a side as clinical as South Africa.

The venue factor could also play a role. The match is set to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where conditions have sometimes favoured disciplined seam bowling and calculated strokeplay. That may influence whether India opt for an extra batter, an additional spinner, or a pace-heavy attack.

Players like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan have provided attacking impetus, while the bowling unit led by Jasprit Bumrah remains central to India’s plans. Selection debates have also revolved around options such as Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav, depending on the tactical approach chosen for the Proteas challenge.

Bangar’s remarks ultimately underline a simple truth about tournament cricket: the strongest XI on paper isn’t always the right XI for the day. With India facing one of their toughest tests yet, the selectors’ ability to read conditions and pick the most balanced combination could determine whether they take a decisive step toward the knockout stage