While India have been the most consistent side in T20Is, there is still a bit of intrigue as to the combinations the Men in Blue could use as they prepare for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, with the first match being played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9.
While most of the positions in the Indian playing XI seem settled, the wicket slot remains the biggest talking point. Ever since Gautam Gambhir took over, Sanju Samson has largely been the preferred wicketkeeper. However, Shubman Gill’s return to the opening slot pushed Samson leaving his comfort zone at the top of the order and leaving him in a head-to-head battle with Jitesh Sharma.
Jitesh has been given a number of games since the Australia series and is expected to retain his position in the side and prove why he can be an ideal middle-order option for India.
As for India’s bowling options, expect the team to go with a similar combination seen in the Asia Cup with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy in the side as bowling specialists. They are also expected to have additional bowling options thanks to all-rounders, Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube – all three of whom are experienced battlers in the T20I scheme of things.
Hardik Pandya’s return opens up a lot of possibilities for the Indian team. He can be India’s new go-to bowler alongside Jasprit Bumrah, giving the team some serious spin if required. He can also be a handy option in the next two phases of the game, adding flexibility to India’s bowling options. His return from injury will be a big boost for India and they need him to start firing right away.
In-form Abhishek Sharma is expected to play a key role at the top of the order. His opening partner, Shubman Gill, is expected to be back in the side after sustaining a neck injury during the Test series against the Proteas. Gill will look to make a point in the very first game and silence all critics regarding his inclusion in the T20I side.
The next player under the limelight will be captain Suryakumar Yadav. The former world number one T20I batsman endured a rare lean patch in 2025, scoring just 184 runs in 17 matches at an average of 15 and a strike rate of 127.77, without a single fifty. A strong showing in the series opener would go a long way in easing the pressure and restoring confidence.
NORTJE TO COME BACK?
For South Africa, the absence of Kagiso Rabada is a blow, but the return of Anrich Nortje offers a timely boost. Nortje last appeared in an international match during T20 World Cup 2024 Final vs India in Barbados and is now ready to return after a long injury lay-off. His sheer speed could pose serious questions to the Indian top order if he finds a rhythm soon.
Dewald Brevis will also be a centerpiece for South Africafalse. The young star is in strong form and knows Indian conditions well after his IPL stint with Chennai Super Kings. His role in the middle order could prove to be decisive.
David Miller’s quality in the middle order will be vital, but Donovan Ferriera will also be in the limelight as the Proteas would want a solid batting option who can be the most successful player to close out games.
ASSUMED XI
India Predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Predicted XI of South Africa: Cock (WK), Aiden Markram (C), Stubbs, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Maphaka Swing, Queen Maharaj, Anrich North.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
December 8, 2025
