Abhishek Sharma vs Aiden Markram: Ex-India star flags opener's biggest threat vs SA

T20 World Cup: Ahead of India's Super 8 clash against South Africa, Aakash Chopra warned that Abhishek Sharma must navigate smart match-ups rather than chase big shots. With Ngidi in form and Markram an option with the new ball, tactics could define the contest.

Abhishek Sharma’s lean run has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of India’s Super 8 clash against South Africa. But while the spotlight has been firmly on the left-hander’s three successive ducks, former India opener Aakash Chopra believes the real contest could lie in how he handles Aiden Markram — and the broader Proteas bowling attack.

India take on South Africa for theri first Super 8 clsh in Ahmedabad, with both teams unbeaten in the group stage of this T20 World Cup. The pressure around Abhishek has grown outside the dressing room, yet the team management has publicly backed him. Even South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has refused to treat the opener’s recent failures as a sign of vulnerability.

Chopra, however, shifted the focus to match-ups. Speaking on his YouTube channel while analysing South Africa’s bowling options, the former India batter pointed out that the early overs could define the tempo of the game.

“You will have to be wary of Lungi Ngidi. Lungi Ngidi is a dangerous bowler because he has a very good off-cutter slower one. (Lasith) Malinga, (Jasprit) Bumrah or (Dwayne) Bravo used to have that. His slower one dips a little and stays slightly far from the batter. He bowls with a slightly open action, but takes the ball away, and he is a wicket-taker,” Chopra said.

Ngidi has been South Africa’s standout bowler so far in this World Cup, claiming eight wickets in three innings at an economy rate of 7.58. His variations, particularly the dipping slower delivery, could test India’s aggressive top order, including Suryakumar Yadav.

Chopra also highlighted a tactical possibility, Proteas skipper Markram taking the new ball. The South Africa captain has bowled just two overs in the tournament so far, conceding 29 runs without a wicket, but his off-spin could become relevant against India’s left-heavy top order.