India squad for South Africa T20Is announced: Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya back, Jasprit Bumrah in

By Admin

04 Dec, 2025

India has officially unveiled a 15-member squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, set to begin on December 9 in Cuttack. More than just another bilateral contest, this series marks the first major step in India’s preparations for defending their T20 World Cup title at home in February–March 2026. The selectors, who met in Raipur on Wednesday evening, have chosen a mix of experience, flair and strategic experimentation to shape the team’s future.

A consistent leadership group will guide the campaign, with Suryakumar Yadav continuing as captain and Shubman Gill making an important return as vice-captain one of the standout decisions in this announcement. The matches in Cuttack, Mullanpur, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad will serve as India’s most extended opportunity to assess combinations before finalising their World Cup blueprint.

A blend of continuity and fresh auditions defines the squad. The top order remains steady, with Abhishek Sharma partnering Shubman Gill at the top. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav reinforce the middle order with flexibility and aggression, ensuring India stays aligned with the modern T20 approach.

The headline comeback belongs to Hardik Pandya. Having completed his rehab and Return to Play program at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Hardik returns as the seam-bowling all-rounder India relies on to balance both batting and bowling. His presence strengthens the lower middle order while bringing stability to the pace attack.

Sanju Samson continues as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, although Jitesh Sharma’s inclusion ensures healthy competition for the gloves. Shivam Dube retains his position as the spin-hitting enforcer, offering an extra bowling option in the middle overs.

On the bowling front, India stays committed to its tried-and-tested core. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace unit, supported by the left-arm angle of Arshdeep Singh and the raw pace of Harshit Rana. The spin department is well-rounded with Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, who together provide both control and wicket-taking abilities through the middle overs.

A notable omission from the squad is Rinku Singh, whose absence has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike. Nevertheless, the squad reflects India’s focus on balance, versatility and forward planning as they prepare for the big stage ahead.

India’s Squad for T20I Series
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar