India will host South Africa in a five-match T20I series in Cuttack, with both sides using the series as a critical stepping stone ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The series promises a clash between a largely settled Indian side and a South African team still searching for consistency and rhythm.
Since their thrilling 2024 T20 World Cup final, India have continued their dominance in the format, boasting a 26-4 record with an almost unbeatable mix of power-hitting, spin control, and allround balance. South Africa, by contrast, have struggled, winning only nine of their 25 T20Is since that final and facing a turbulent period marked by injuries, workload management, and retirements.
India enter the series with Hardik Pandya back at full strength after recovering from a quadriceps injury. His ability to bat deep and offer multiple bowling options remains pivotal. Shubman Gill also returns from a neck injury, adding solidity at the top. Key questions for India include whether Jitesh Sharma keeps his spot over Sanju Samson and which allrounder claims the No. 8 role.
For South Africa, this series may reveal the core squad for the 2026 World Cup. Captain Aiden Markram, along with David Miller and Anrich Nortje, return from rest and injury, while Dewald Brevis, with his world-beating strike rate against spin, will be a major threat to India’s spinners. Selection questions revolve around Markram’s batting position and whether to include a second left-arm spinner in George Linde.
The Cuttack pitch offers something for everyone: early seam movement, spin grip, and dew to challenge bowlers in the evening. South Africa have historically performed well here, winning both T20Is played at the venue, including a famous 46-ball 81 from Heinrich Klaasen in 2022.
With records, milestones, and World Cup preparation on the line, this series promises high-octane T20 cricket and a glimpse into the squads shaping up for the next global tournament.
Probable XI:
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana/Washington Sundar/Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Charavarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram (C), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch/George Linde, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje
