Defending champions India will begin their Super 8 campaign in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with a big match against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

This will be the first time India and South Africa meet in a World Cup since South Africa’s heartbreaking defeat in the final of the 2024 tournament. Before the big game, there was a calm atmosphere around the Motera area of Ahmedabad, where the stadium is located. The area was not very crowded. Only a few people were seen near the main gate, asking the guards for tickets.

Ahead of the special match, a heartwarming moment took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ishan Kishan responded humbly when a fan asked him to share some motivational words. Instead of giving a long speech, the wicketkeeper-batter smiled and said, “Aap karte hai motivate hum log ko,” which means, “You are the ones who motivate us.”

The moment quickly went viral on social media. Fans praised Kishan for his simple and kind words. As Team India prepares for the important Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, his words reminded everyone of the strong bond between players and their fans.

Watch the video here:

Ishan Kishan with his fan❤️
Fan: "Kuch motivation line bol dijiye"
Ishan: "Ham logo ko aap krte hai motivate"#IshanKishan pic.twitter.com/QFSw0UVSJw

— Ayush Cricket (@AyushCricket32) February 22, 2026

Excitement Builds in Ahmedabad

India’s campaign begins against South Africa, and excitement is very high. The atmosphere in Ahmedabad is electric, with many fans coming to support the Men in Blue. Ishan Kishan gave a simple and honest reply that showed how much players value their fans. While cricketers inspire people on the field, it is the strong support from the crowd that gives them energy and confidence.

As India gets ready for one of its most important matches of the tournament, such moments show the deep emotional bond between the team and the fans. In India, cricket is more than just a game.

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Light Moment in the Dressing Room

Before the Super 8 match, there was a fun moment during practice at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Abhishek Sharma gave an energetic Punjabi war cry during a team huddle. He ended it with, “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal.” His loud and cheerful shout made everyone smile.

Kishan was seen trying hard not to laugh during the speech. The video, shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, showed the happy and relaxed mood inside the team. Even though Sharma has not scored runs yet in the tournament, his energy and spirit are helping the team stay positive.

The way Ishan is trying so hard not to laugh... I can't unsee it.😭😂 pic.twitter.com/IrTk5jpJKp

— Sohel. (@SohelVkf) February 21, 2026

Team Training and Possible Changes

According to a report by The Times of India, the Indian team trained for almost four hours two days before the match. Most players skipped the afternoon session on Saturday, but they trained very hard the evening before.

Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan looked in great form during practice. Axar Patel also batted well, and his shots looked clean and strong.

There are signs that India may play one less spinner on the black soil pitch and include Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI. He bowled for a long time in the nets, especially against Kishan.

The Men in Blue's campaign begins against South Africa, and excitement is very high. The atmosphere in Ahmedabad is electric, with many fans coming to support the Men in Blue. Ishan Kishan gave a simple and honest reply that showed how much players value their fans. While cricketers inspire people on the field, it is the strong support from the crowd that gives them energy and confidence.

As India gets ready for one of its most important matches of the tournament, such moments show the deep emotional bond between the team and the fans. In India, cricket is more than just a game.

Squads for the ND vs SA Super Eight Match

India: 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

South Africa: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen