Dubey gave shocks – IND vs SA T20 World Cup Warm-up Match Live Score: India’s final preparations before the T20 World Cup 2026, the warm-up clash against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, February 4, holds more significance than its exhibition status. Despite coming off a 4-1 T20 series win over New Zealand, India still have unresolved questions, especially regarding team balance and selection, as they prepare to defend their title. Sanju Samson is at the center of the debate.

Once again, the wicketkeeper-batsman finds himself under scrutiny after a disappointing run of form. His 46 runs in five innings against New Zealand, which included three single-digit scores, have put him firmly in the limelight, especially with Ishan Kishan rising into contention.

Kishan’s explosive series, highlighted by 215 runs at a strike rate of over 230 and a match-winning century, has changed the narrative dramatically and given a tough challenge to India’s selectors. Samson’s plight is not new.

Frequent role changes, including a brief and unsuccessful shift to the middle order during last year’s Asia Cup, have disrupted his rhythm. Although the team management is keen to stick to it, even skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s praise for Kishan after the series indicated increasing pressure on Samson to perform immediately. The warm-up also provides an important fitness check for Tilak Verma, who is returning from surgery.

His composed performances in high-pressure situations, especially in the Asia Cup final last year, make him a vital cog in India’s middle order. With Washington Sundar’s fitness remaining a matter of concern, India are eyeing options like Ayush Badoni, Ravi Bishnoi and Riyan Parag should the need for replacement arise. For South Africa, this match gives an opportunity to test itself with full strength against India.

With the return of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada after a successful home series against the West Indies, the Proteas will be keen to regain their rhythm before the tournament begins.