The Super-8 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a serious examination for India national cricket team. From February 21, India find themselves in Group 1 alongside South Africa national cricket team, West Indies national cricket team, and Zimbabwe national cricket team. All four sides entered this round unbeaten, instantly earning the tag of the tournament’s “Group of Death.”

What has added to India’s worries is a striking coincidence from the past. This is only the second time in T20 World Cup history that India, South Africa, and West Indies have been placed together in the Super-8 round. The last time it happened was back in 2009—and it ended disastrously for India. In that edition, India lost all three Super-8 matches, going down to West Indies by seven wickets, South Africa by 12 runs, and England by three runs, leading to an early exit.

Seventeen years later, history appears to be knocking again—only this time, the challenge looks even tougher. Zimbabwe’s presence has turned an already difficult group into a potential minefield. Under the leadership of Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe stunned everyone in the group stage by defeating teams like Australia and Sri Lanka and arriving at the Super-8 undefeated. Their fearless cricket and confidence make them a genuine threat capable of upsetting any heavyweight.

For India, there is no margin for error. With only the top two teams from the group progressing to the semifinals, every match is effectively a knockout. India begin their Super-8 campaign against South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 22, followed by clashes with Zimbabwe in Chennai on February 26 and West Indies in Kolkata on March 1. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian side will need consistency, composure, and a clear plan to ensure that the painful memories of 2009 are not repeated in 2026.