With Tilak Varma slated for the important number three position, India's middle order looks robust. The leadership core of Suryakumar Yadav at number four, followed by the finishing prowess of Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh, provides backbone of the batting lineup.

Shivam Dube continues to hold his spot as the secondary pace-bowling all-rounder, offering the captain a versatile sixth-bowling option if the main strike bowlers face pressure.

Return of Axar Patel

India's bowling department is expected to see one strategic tweak. Veteran spinner Axar Patel is likely to replace Washington Sundar.

Axar's familiarity with the Ahmedabad pitch - where he has historically troubled batters with his skidding deliveries - is seen as a major asset against South African middle order. He will partner with Varun Chakravarthy to form a potent spin duo, while the pace attack remains spearheaded by the world-class pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

India Probable Playing XI for IND vs SA Super 8 match: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.