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India vs SA: T20 Series Begins - World Cup Prep Heats Up!
9 Dec
Summary
- India seeks redemption after Test series loss, faces South Africa in T20s.
- Both teams view the series as vital preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- Shubman Gill returns from injury, aiming for explosive opening partnership.
A pivotal five-match T20 International series commences in Cuttack, marking a new chapter for both India and South Africa. Following a challenging Test series, both nations now turn their focus to the shortest format, viewing this as essential preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026. India enters the series on a strong undefeated run in T20Is this calendar year, showcasing dominance across multiple encounters.
The Indian squad sees the significant return of Shubman Gill from a neck injury, expected to form a dynamic opening partnership with the attacking Abhishek Sharma. The middle order is further bolstered by Tilak Varma and a formidable array of all-rounders, including Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar, providing depth down to the eighth position. The bowling attack features the return of Jasprit Bumrah alongside Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, supported by spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
South Africa, while still smarting from their ODI series defeat, presents a formidable T20 unit. Led by Aiden Markram, their batting lineup includes dangerous hitters like David Miller and Tristan Stubbs, supported by all-rounders Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch. The bowling attack is spearhead by the express pace of Anrich Nortje and the variations of Lungi Ngidi. The series opener at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium, a venue with limited T20I history, promises an intensely competitive contest.
