Shaun Pollock warns South Africa of Jasprit Bumrah-Varun Chakaravarthy threat before Super Eight opener vs India

Shaun Pollock feels that Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy are ‘the point of difference’ for India in their T20 World Cup Super 8 fixture vs South Africa.

Published on: Feb 20, 2026, 12:40:12 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Ahead of India's T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight stage opener against South Africa, former cricketer Shaun Pollock feels that Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy will be the key for the co-hosts. The match will be a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, which India won.

Shaun Pollock named Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy as India's X-factor. (Sportz Asia)

The South African legend also feels that both sides have players who can make a difference on a given day. But according to him, India's pace-spin duo are ‘the point of difference.’

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Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy: Point of difference

Speaking at the SuperSport ICC T20 Men's World Cup Round Table, he said, "I think South Africa and India have got personnel who can kind of match each other on a day. So Quinton (de Kock) can fire. He can match what Abhishek (Sharma) can do. Aiden (Markram) can fire. He can kind of match whoever."

"I'm just saying when I look down at the lineups, I think for me, the point of difference is the two bowlers in Bumrah and Chakaravarthy."

Bumrah and Varun have played together in 21 matches, with the spinner taking 30 wickets. Meanwhile, Bumrah has bagged 22 dismissals. In the ongoing tournament, Varun has bagged 9 dismissals in 4 matches, averaging 6.88 and an economy rate of 5.16. Meanwhile, Bumrah has taken four wickets.

Pointing out Bumrah's strengths, he said, "Not saying that South Africa haven't got some quality, but it's just the rare nature of the way they kind of deliver the ball that gives them maybe that little bit of an edge. Bumrah is very unorthodox. He's got a wonderful wrist position. He bowls brilliantly in the Powerplays with a new ball, if he has to in the middle, and his death bowling is pretty exceptional as well."

"And then who controls the middle overs for them? Chakaravarthy...When you talk about matchups. He's a guy who can, doesn't matter who's at the crease, whether it's left hand or right hand that comes to the crease, he is a guy who can dictate to him. So, I think they've just got a little bit of an edge over us in that department," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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