India will lock horns with South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 22. Both teams are undefeated in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but the Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad feels the reigning champions could be feeling the weight of expectations.

Ahead of the high-voltage fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Conrad struck a confident note. According to him, his team is planning to turn the heat into motivation. He added that although the stakes are high for both outfits, the title holders are under pressure.

“There’s intense attention that comes with facing a team like India. Expectations around them are massive and reaching the semi-finals is almost assumed, and pushing through to the final is the next demand. Hopefully we can expose them and make them vulnerable,” Conrad said.

Conrad clarified that Abhishek Sharma remains firmly on their radar despite three scoreless outings. The Proteas coach stressed that a brief slump does not make a batter less dangerous.

“Pressure is part and parcel of a contest like this, and it applies equally to both sides. We often speak about the challenge of facing and leading a team, but we do not always consider the pressure players are dealing with. I am certainly not implying that a player who has registered three ducks is suddenly worried about losing his spot. Not at all,” Conrad added.

The Indian camp has made it clear that Abhishek remains integral to their opening combination. Conrad, for his part, spoke with caution and regard, choosing not to downplay the left-hander despite the scrutiny on his performances.

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