India and South Africa meet again in a high-stakes clash on February 22 in Ahmedabad, a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Both sides enter the Super 8 stage unbeaten, but Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad believes the defending champions may be carrying the heavier burden.
Ahead of the Narendra Modi Stadium showdown, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, leading his first major ICC white-ball event, said South Africa will embrace and exploit the pressure, not be rattled by it. Speaking to reporters after South Africa’s training session in Ahmedabad, Conrad suggested that while both teams face pressure, India, as reigning champions, will feel it more intensely.
“There’s so much scrutiny, especially a side like India. They’re going to be under a lot of pressure to make the semi-finals and obviously go on and make the finals as well,” Conrad said. “Hopefully we can expose them and make them vulnerable under that pressure.”
ABHISHEK SHARMA NOT WRITTEN OFF
While referencing India’s scrutiny, Conrad made it clear that he was not dismissing Abhishek Sharma as a threat despite his three ducks in the group stage. The South Africa coach insisted that individual lean patches do not automatically translate into vulnerability.
“Pressure is a big thing, but it’s pressure both for us and them,” Conrad said.
“I think we all talk about the pressure of playing against the top side, but we’re not quite aware of what the pressures they are under. I’m not, for one, suggesting that a guy that has three ducks in his last three matches comes under pressure for his place in his side. No.”
India have publicly backed Abhishek, and the left-hander remains central to their plans at the top. Conrad’s comments indicated respect rather than dismissal, even as he pointed to the broader expectations surrounding the Indian side.
DIFFERENT STAGE, DIFFERENT TEST
Recent history favours India. During South Africa’s tour of India in December 2025, the hosts won the T20I series 3-1, with one match washed out. However, Conrad hinted that bilateral form does not define World Cup contests.
South Africa possess tools to challenge India’s weak spots. With Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and Aiden Markram offering spin options, the Proteas could test India’s occasional struggles against finger spin. Their batting unit, featuring Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Markram and Tristan Stubbs, has also looked sharp.
India may be unbeaten, but Ahmedabad presents a sterner examination. For Conrad, the belief is simple — pressure can tilt big games, and South Africa intend to make it count.
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