After losing the Test series 0-2 but bouncing back to claim the ODIs 2-1, India now shift focus to a five-match T20I series against South Africa, a key part of their build-up for the 2026 T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
The series begins at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, followed by matches in New Chandigarh (11 December), Dharamsala (14 December), Lucknow (17 December), and Ahmedabad (19 December).
Gill and Pandya Return to Strengthen India’s Core
The Men in Blue, already buoyed by their ODI turnaround, welcome back opener Shubman Gill and seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed both players’ availability for the opening fixture, calling their return “a big boost” as India look to fine-tune combinations ahead of defending their World T20 crown.
Pandya, back after recovering from a quadriceps injury suffered during the Asia Cup, has shown encouraging form in domestic cricket and was among the first to hit the nets in Cuttack. Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the Test series, has also fully recovered.
Both of them look healthy and fit. Hardik opening the bowling during the Asia Cup gave us a lot of options with the playing eleven. His experience in ICC and ACC events is invaluable and adds real balance to the side.
How India Plan to Use Gill and Samson
Gill’s comeback means India return to their preferred opening combination, with the in-form Abhishek Sharma alongside him. Suryakumar explained how Gill’s inclusion reshuffles the batting order, with Sanju Samson moving back to number three or five.
Other than the openers, everyone has to be flexible. Sanju did really well when he opened, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series, so he deserved that spot. It’s a good headache to have, both can open, both can bat lower.
India’s Dominance in T20Is Remains Intact
India enter the series unbeaten in T20I series throughout the calendar year, having dismantled Australia, lifted the Asia Cup, and hammered England 4-1. Their build-up includes ten home T20Is, five against South Africa, followed by five against New Zealand.
India’s bowling is further boosted by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who joins Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana in the pace attack, with Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav leading the spin options. The middle order features Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar.
South Africa Seek Redemption After World Cup Final Loss
South Africa, still carrying the sting of their defeat to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, arrive with a strong squad and an eye on their own World Cup preparations.
Aiden Markram resumes full-time captaincy. Quinton de Kock’s return puts pressure on Ryan Rickelton, though both may fit into the top order. A powerful middle order of Markram, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs gives South Africa plenty of firepower, supported by all-rounders Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, and Donovan Ferreira.
Anrich Nortje’s return, alongside Lungi Ngidi, reinforces the pace attack, while Maharaj and Linde handle spin duties.
Miller’s Comeback Timely for the Proteas
David Miller, back from a hamstring injury, said he hopes to bring his experience to a squad full of emerging talent.
I feel like I can add a certain part to the team with experience. Selection is never guaranteed, but we have world-class players throughout, and we just need to be switched on every single game.
Conditions Favour Batters at Barabati Stadium
Cuttack has historically served batting-friendly surfaces with slightly slower pace. South Africa have played two of the three T20Is hosted here, and won both. Across four T20I series in India, South Africa have one series win and two drawn results, historically matching up well in Indian conditions.
Probable XIs: India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (capt), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje.
