Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn feels that India must not think twice about their opening pairing if wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan becomes a contestant again. The left-hander is in exceptional form after his stunning comeback in the recent series against New Zealand, in stark contrast to Sanju Samson, who averages just 9.20 in five matches.

India have stuck with Sanju Samson in all five matches against New Zealand after a late appeal was made to restore him at the top of the order at the expense of Shubman Gill. However, with only one warm-up match against South Africa before the tournament begins, the Men in Blue must come to terms with decisions regarding their final opening combination.

Dale Stein It is believed that the prospect of having two left-handers at the senior level should not deter India from releasing the pair. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan Together.

“There’s always a debate about whether there’s a left-right combination in the order, but I think, in the first six overs, it doesn’t really matter. In the middle rounds, you’re more concerned about the left-right combination. The form Sanju is in right now, or his lack of form, I think Ishan fits right in. If he scores, that’s it, it’s solidified and he’s opening up the batting in the first game of the World Cup,” Dale Steyn said Jio hot star Before India’s warm-up match against South Africa.

Former India and CSK opener Abhinav Mukund also vouched for the opening two left-handers while adding that Sanju Samson could be available in the middle order as it is a warm-up match.

“I think guys like Sanju will get a chance to bat tonight. But Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma will open the innings because that’s something they haven’t tried yet. Sanju will probably bat in the spot where Suryakumar Yadav usually bats, which is what the team management usually does,” Mukund said.

“I don’t think Sanju Samson will start as the opening batsman tonight and in the first match of the World Cup. I think Kishan will start tonight because of Sanju Samson’s lack of form and lack of runs. It’s very unfortunate that he will have to miss out but I have a feeling tonight is the first time we see what India has planned for the World Cup,” he added.

Ishan Kishan hit his maiden T20I ton in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram, while Sanju Samson was killed for a run-six in front of his home crowd.

Suryakumar Yadav confirms Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan to open IND vs SA T20 2026 World Cup warm-up match

India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed at the toss that the dynamic duo of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan will open the batting position for the first time.

“There will be some dew, so, we want our bowlers to be challenged. Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma will open today,” Suryakumar Yadav said after electing to bat first.

India recently concluded 2025 against South Africa in the subcontinent. The Men in Blue won the five-game series with a 3-1 advantage.