India face South Africa in the 1st T20I at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, on December 9, 2025, marking the series opener in a five-match contest ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The venue introduces a red-soil pitch for the first time, blending bounce, pace, and a hint of green to favour batters in T20 conditions, potentially resembling high-scoring Wankhede tracks despite historical averages of 140 in first innings. Captains may opt to bowl first amid dew risks, but uncertainty lingers on this untested surface where South Africa previously won both T20Is against India, including bowling them out for 92 in 2015.
Suryakumar Yadav leads a near-full-strength India, boasting a 26-4 T20I record since their 2024 World Cup triumph, emphasizing continuity in combinations. Shubman Gill returns as vice-captain post-neck injury, pairing with explosive opener Abhishek Sharma (strike rate 189.51 in T20Is), while Hardik Pandya‘s fitness—crucial for balance with batting depth to No. 8 and six bowling options—remains key after recent net discomfort.
Aiden Markram captains South Africa, who struggle at 9-16 in T20Is post-2024 World Cup final, missing Heinrich Klaasen to retirement and facing a tough India assignment. Quinton de Kock opens, with David Miller back from hamstring issues and Anrich Nortje returning since the final—effective against Gill (4 dismissals in 7 T20Is) and Suryakumar (2 in 6).
IND vs SA T20I 2025: Schedule
MatchDateVenueLocal Time (IST)GMT1st T20IDec 9, 2025Barabati Stadium, Cuttack7:00 PM1:30 PM 2nd T20IDec 11, 2025Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur7:00 PM1:30 PM 3rd T20IDec 14, 2025Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala7:00 PM1:30 PM 4th T20IDec 17, 2025Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow7:00 PM1:30 PM 5th T20IDec 19, 2025Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad7:00 PM1:30 PM
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IND vs SA T20I 2025: Broadcast and Live Streaming details
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