India Playing 11: In the Super 8 match against South Africa, Team India has taken a surprising decision and left out vice-captain Akshar Patel. Akshar Patel did not even play in the last match against Netherlands. Washington Sundar was given a chance in his place and confidence has been expressed in the same player against South Africa also. Suryakumar Yadav told after the toss that keeping Akshar Patel out is a strategic change. There are three left-handed batsmen in the top three playing eleven of South Africa, hence Washington Sundar has been given preference in the playing eleven. The big news is that South Africa has made four changes in its playing eleven. Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Johnson and David Miller have returned to South Africa's playing eleven.

India's playing eleven

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakraborty.

South Africa's playing eleven

Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickleton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Yanson, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

Here is #TeamIndia's Playing 1⃣1⃣ for the Super 8 clash against South Africa!

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— BCCI (@BCCI) February 22, 2026

What did Suryakumar Yadav say?

Suryakumar Yadav said, 'We wanted to bat first after winning the toss but no problem. We played here two-three days ago and the team bowling first got help, we would like to take advantage of it. This is a big match and an opportunity for everyone to contribute. We will play three matches in Super 8 and we will have to show our strength from the first ball itself. It is a bit difficult decision to leave Akshar Patel out but we are fielding the same team as the last match.