India, South Africa (Credit: OpenAI )
A big update came from India’s dressing room before the first T20. Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is completely fit now. Hardik, who missed months of action due to injury, is excited to return. His presence brings balance to India’s lower-middle order and bowling plans. Fans were waiting for this moment eagerly. A power-hitter and key death-overs bowler, his comeback boosts India’s confidence. The team sees him as a major weapon for this series.
Suryakumar also confirmed that opener Shubman Gill is fully available for selection. Gill had suffered a neck injury in the Test series recently, forcing him to miss both Tests and ODIs. His return strengthens India’s batting — especially in powerplay overs. Gill’s form in T20 cricket has been impressive throughout the year. With him opening, India can expect fast starts against South Africa’s pace attack. Fans in Cuttack will be excited to watch his comeback innings.
🚨 NEWS 🚨#TeamIndia's squad for the 5⃣-match T20I series against South Africa announced.
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 3, 2025
Details ▶️ https://t.co/3Bscuq6Gri #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/0bHLCcbwTD
India lost the Test series but bounced back strongly in ODIs, winning 2–1. The team now looks to begin the T20 leg with the same winning spirit. The five-match series will test India’s new-look T20 squad under Suryakumar’s leadership. Young talents like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma will look to make an impact. In bowling, Bumrah, Arshdeep and Kuldeep will shoulder big responsibility. India’s aim is simple: dominate from game one.
The opening T20 will be played on 9 December at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
Second match — 11 December in Chandigarh.
Third — 14 December in Dharamshala.
Fourth — 17 December in Lucknow.
Fifth — 19 December in Ahmedabad.
Five matches, five major venues — fans across India will witness top-level cricket.
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana.
The squad has a mix of youth and experience — all set to take on the Proteas in a high-voltage battle.
South Africa will enter this series with confidence and firepower. Their pace bowling and aggressive batting can trouble India anytime. Suryakumar knows this will not be an easy contest. India must stay sharp, use conditions well and keep focus on winning key moments. The start of the series will set the tone for both teams. Excitement is high — Cuttack is ready.
With Hardik and Gill returning, Team India looks strong again. Fans hope India start with a win and build momentum. All eyes will be on Suryakumar’s captaincy and the youngsters’ performance. When the lights go on in Cuttack tomorrow night, a fresh chapter of India vs South Africa rivalry begins. Cricket fever is back.
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