India and South Africa are gearing up for an exciting five-match T20I series set to kick off on Tuesday, December 9, at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The two teams have already clashed in two Tests and three ODIs, with the Proteas clinching a historic 2-0 whitewash in the longer format, while India emerged victorious in the ODI series with a 2-1 scoreline. The upcoming T20Is hold immense significance for both sides as they aim to fine-tune their squads for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.
The return of key players adds an extra layer of excitement to the series. India’s T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya are back after recovering from injuries, while South Africa welcomes back senior players David Miller and Anrich Nortje. With the head-to-head record currently standing at 18-12 in favor of India, the series promises to be a thrilling contest as the 2024 T20 World Cup champions take on the runners-up.
As we look forward to the series, here are three player battles that are set to light up the five-match contest:
- Dewald Brevis (SA) vs Varun Chakaravarthy (IND):
Dewald Brevis has established himself as a dangerous batter in the South African lineup, known for his explosive performances in white-ball cricket. However, his showdown with crafty spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is expected to be a closely fought battle. Despite their limited encounters, Chakaravarthy has had the upper hand over Brevis, dismissing him twice in the IPL. - Abhishek Sharma (IND) vs Anrich Nortje (SA):
Abhishek Sharma has been in scintillating form this year, earning accolades for his performances in recent T20I series. South Africa will be banking on the pace of Anrich Nortje to challenge the left-hander early on. Nortje, who is returning to action after the 2024 T20 World Cup, will be eager to make an impact. It will be interesting to see if Abhishek can maintain his unbeaten record against Nortje in T20 cricket. - David Miller (SA) vs Hardik Pandya (IND):
David Miller, the linchpin of South Africa’s middle order, is expected to play a crucial role in the series. The experienced campaigner will face a stern test against Hardik Pandya, who has dismissed him seven times in T20s while conceding 70 runs. Hardik’s variations could trouble Miller, but the latter’s wealth of experience could give him the edge over the Indian all-rounder this time around.With these intriguing player battles on the horizon, the India-South Africa T20I series promises to be a riveting spectacle for cricket fans. Stay tuned as the action unfolds on the road to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Edited by Aditya Suketu Desai
