In Ahmedabad, South Africa will face Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy in a crucial Super Eights match against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday evening, according to former all-rounder Robin Peterson.
Bumrah has been particularly effective, taking four wickets at an economy rate of six and a strike rate of 13.5 in three league matches. However, Chakaravarthy's performance against the Netherlands, where he took three wickets, will be a key factor.
Chakaravarthy's ability to vary his pace and spin has been crucial to his success, with nine wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 5.2 and a strike rate of 8. This puts him second on the tournament's wicket-taking charts, behind USA pacer Shadley Van Schalkwyk.
Against South Africa, Chakaravarthy has taken 22 wickets in eight T20Is, including his best bowling figures of 5-17 in Gqeberha in 2024. Only Arshdeep Singh has more dismissals (23) against the Proteas.
Peterson believes that South Africa's batsmen will need to be able to handle both Bumrah and Chakaravarthy. He also highlighted the importance of adapting to the different variations that Chakaravarthy uses.
Peterson emphasized the need for South Africa to approach the match with confidence and to not be intimidated by the Indian bowlers. He also pointed out the experience of Markram and De Kock, who have faced Bumrah in the past.
Peterson identified Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton as key figures who can make a significant impact on the Indian bowlers. He also praised the overall strength of the South African batting lineup, particularly the contributions of Aiden Markram, who has been in excellent form.
Peterson believes that the South African squad is better prepared than the team that lost to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. He also noted that South Africa has a strong bowling attack and a well-balanced batting lineup.
Peterson attributed the team's success to the influence of head coach Shukri Conrad, who has instilled confidence and a winning mentality in the squad. He also praised Markram's leadership and batting form.
Peterson believes that the match will be a clash between two strong teams, with South Africa's improved bowling attack and India's experienced batting lineup. He predicts that the match will be a closely contested affair, with both teams capable of winning.
