The five-match T20I series in between India and South Africa We start on December 9, 2025 at Barabati Stadium in Barabati Stadium. After a decisive 2-1 ODI series win, the men in blue Suryakumar YadavIn early 2026, the home side do not expect to maintain their advantage as they officially begin their build-up to the T20 World Cup.
This series is crucial for the T20 World champions as they look to fine-tune their combination and strengthen their core for the future. South Africa, under Capt Aiden MarkramOdi will be keen to bounce back from their defeat and assert their strength in the shortest format, where they have considerable firepower.
Team India: The return of the main stars
The main talking point for India is the return of two key players: the vice-captain Shubman Gill and comprehensive Hardik Pandyaboth recovered from their injuries. Their inclusion completes an already aggressive T20 unit. India will aim for an aggressive top order start with GLLs along with the explosive Abhishek Sharma. The middle order, anchored by captain Suryakumar and the returning Hardik, looks formidable. A PACE attack is blocked by rebounding Jasprit Bumrahis supported Arshdeep Singh. The spin department looks strong with the wrist-spin duo Kuldeep Yadav and Varun chakraborty can play a very important role.
South Africa: Firepower in Batting Line-up
With South Africa smarting from the ODI series loss, the T20 specialists are back in their ranks. They have an explosive batting line-up that can challenge any total. Will rely on experienced players like Proteas Quinton de Kock, David Millerand captain Aiden Markram to ensure stability and aggression. Young talent Dewald brevis and Tristan Stubbs Adds the X-factor. PACE battery Anrich Nortje and Good luck It will be tough in an experienced Indian batting line-up. Spinner Keshav Maharaj will look to rule the middle overs.
Cuttack pitch report
Historically, the cuttack pitch has provided good bounce and has generally favored more opportunities than the spinners over the fast bowlers. Not usually a high-scoring venue, the average first innings T20I score is modest. Dew is expected to be a factor in the evening, with the ball slippery. This usually calls for the captain to first pack the container and chase the target.
See also: Rohit Sharma happily refuses to eat cake after ODI Series win over South Africa
Barabati Stadium Odi Statistics and Records
- General matches: 3
- The matches were won by batting first: 1
- Matches won by bowling first: 2
- Average 1st innings score: 140
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 110
- Recorded the highest total180/3 (20 OV) by India and Sri Lanka
- Lowest overall record: 87/10 (16 OVS) Sri Lanka vs India
Read: IND VS SA: 3 Indian players who can cause trouble in South Africa in T20I series
