The first T20 match of the five-game series between India and South Africa will take place on December 9 at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as openers, but remained silent on the full playing XI. The choice between spinner Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy will depend on the pitch.
The T20 series opener between India and South Africa is set for December 9, 2025, at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, starting at 7 PM IST. This series holds significance for preparations toward the 2026 T20 World Cup. In a press conference, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as openers, stating that Shubman deserves the spot. However, he did not reveal the full playing XI, adding that the decision would be made after inspecting the wicket.
India recently won a T20 series against Australia 2-1, and under Suryakumar's leadership, the team aims to maintain that form. Hardik Pandya's return provides batting depth and an extra pace bowling option. It is likely that India will field just one specialist spinner, with Kuldeep Yadav potentially preferred over Varun Chakravarthy. Tilak Varma could bowl part-time spin if needed.
The red-soil pitch is expected to assist pacers. Shubman Gill has joined the team after recovering from fitness issues, so Sanju Samson will bat in the middle order and is likely to keep wickets ahead of Jitesh Sharma. Only one of Shivam Dube or Washington Sundar may make the XI.
India's predicted playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.
South Africa's predicted playing XI: Aiden Markram (captain), Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Donovan Ferreira, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Eirik Norje.
Full squads: India - Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar. South Africa - Aiden Markram (captain), Ottniel Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Eirik Norje, Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs.