Suryakumar Yadav leads a refreshed Indian squad in a four-match T20 series as the Proteas aim to avenge their recent World Cup final defeat.
Table of Contents
The scars from a significant defeat in the ICC T20 World Cup final remain vivid for South Africa as they prepare to confront their victors, India, in a four-match T20 series on home soil commencing this Friday.
Although more than four months have elapsed since India’s remarkable comeback secured their second T20 world championship in Barbados, South Africa still feels the sting of relinquishing what could have been their inaugural ICC World Cup title. Since June 29, numerous changes have occurred, including the departure of several Indian veterans from the shortest format of the game, while the champions have maintained an impressive winning streak in T20 internationals under the leadership of new captain Suryakumar Yadav.
In the wake of retirements from key players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, along with the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant due to commitments in Test cricket, India’s emerging talents have made significant contributions in the three T20 series played since July.
Conversely, South Africa has struggled in their two series following the final, suffering defeats in all three matches against the West Indies and one against Ireland. The Proteas have also introduced several new players in their recent limited-overs matches, yet Aiden Markram continues to lead the T20 side.
Both teams, along with other leading nations globally, are focused on rebuilding in anticipation of the next T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in just over a year.
The reigning champions will have the opportunity to defend their title on home ground during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
For the moment, the emphasis will be on South Africa’s capacity to recover from a series of disappointing outcomes and whether India can sustain their impressive winning momentum in away matches.
What’s the full match schedule of the India-South Africa T20 series?
Match 1: Scheduled for Friday, November 8 at 5:00 PM (15:00 GMT) at Kingsmead, Durban.
Match 2: Taking place on Sunday, November 10 at 4:00 PM (14:00 GMT) at St George’s Park, Gqeberha.
Match 3: Occurring on Wednesday, November 13 at 5:00 PM (15:00 GMT) at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
Match 4: Set for Friday, November 15 at 5:00 PM (15:00 GMT) at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.
India vs South Africa: T20 head-to-head record
The 27 T20 encounters between the two sides have been nearly even, with India winning 15 games – including the World Cup final – and South Africa 11. One game ended in a “no result” due to a washout.
Both teams won a game apiece when the Proteas last hosted India in a bilateral T20 series in December.
Form guide: South Africa
The hosts’ fortunes in the T20 format have taken a hit since the June 29 final loss in Barbados, as they have won only one of their five T20 international matches.
Last five results: L W L L L
Form guide: India
The world champions are on a 10-game winning streak in the T20 format, with a shock loss away to Zimbabwe in July being the only blot on their 23-match record in 2024.
Last five results: W W W W W
Team news: South Africa
Markram remains at the helm as the team aims to reconstruct in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, following the retirement of the dynamic top-order batter and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock in June.
The fast-bowling pair of Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen has rejoined the squad after recovering from injuries, alongside Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, and David Miller, while Kagiso Rabada has been given a rest.
All-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana, aged 24, has earned his first call-up to the national team.
The Proteas boast a strong lineup of power hitters, including Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, and Tristan Stubbs.
Squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs.
Team news: India
India are set to hand debuts to batter Ramandeep Singh, as well as pacers Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yash Dayal.
Three players – Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav and Shivam Dube – who were part of the home T20 series against Bangladesh are out due to injuries.
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.
