Ravi Shastri Confident In India's Playing XI, Sees No Need For Changes Against South Africa: 'Got All Bases Covered'

India vs South Africa T20 World Cup: Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri said that the defending champions have made their strongest playing XI, making it unlikely for any changes in the team lineup when they take on South Africa in their Super 8 opener of the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

India ringed in two changes for their Netherlands match, replacing Kuldeep Yadav with Arshdeep Singh and resting Axar Patel for Washington Sundar.

Shastri said the only puzzle the team will face is whether to play Axar or Sundar.

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Rain Washes Away Pakistan-New Zealand Super 8 Match, Teams Share Points

"I think it will be pretty much the same side because you've got depth, you've got all bases covered, you've got options, you need options," Shastri told The ICC Review.

"When there's dew around, you need that extra bowling option. Whether it's a Shivam Dube, whether it's Hardik bowling his full quota of overs, whether it's Tilak Varma who might roll his arm for an over or two, you need those options. I don't think they'll tinker with the side. I think the team that played in the last game was a good side," he added.

Shastri is optimistic about opener Abhishek Sharma's opportunities, viewing his three successive ducks in the T20 World Cup as a positive sign.

ALSO READ: Smriti Mandhana Credits Jemimah Rodrigues' Daring Knock For Turning Tide Against Australia: 'Her Approach Calmed Me Down'

"I think the positive is that in every game, there's been someone who stood up. It has been Ishan Kishan, sometimes Surya, in the first game. Tilak Varma has played his part. He's got off to a start, but I still think the best of him is still to come. I look at it as a positive that Abhishek Sharma has three zeros. So save your best for the important periods in the tournament. Teams will be a little worried that he's not got runs," he said.

India T20 World Cup Squad:

India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj.