IND vs SA: Gill in and Jaiswal dropped as India announce 15-man T20I squad
BCCI announces India’s T20I squad for the South Africa series with Suryakumar as captain, Hardik returning, and Gill awaiting fitness clearance.
The BCCI on Wednesday announced India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match home series against South Africa, confirming a strong mix of established match-winners and promising young talents. Suryakumar Yadav continues as captain, underlining the selectors’ trust in his fearless batting approach and leadership suited to India’s evolving T20 philosophy.
Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain, subject to a final fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Gill, recovering from a neck spasm he suffered during the Test series against South Africa, has resumed light training, and the selectors are hopeful of his availability at least for the latter part of the series.
India pick explosive batting unit and versatile all-rounders for SA T20Is
The squad features an explosive batting core, with Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya offering both power and versatility. Hardik makes a notable return after recovering from a quadriceps injury that kept him out for two months. His commanding 77* off 42 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this week further strengthened his case.
India’s all-round options remain rich, with Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Pandya and Dube giving the team tactical flexibility across conditions. In the wicketkeeping department, the selectors have backed Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson, two contrasting yet impactful T20 finishers.
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The bowling attack has a balanced look. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace unit, supported by left-armer Arshdeep Singh and rising quick Harshit Rana. The spin attack features Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, offering a blend of control, mystery and middle-overs wicket-taking ability.
India vs South Africa T20I Series Schedule
| Sr No. | Day | Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tuesday | 09-Dec-2025 | 7:00 PM | 1st T20I | Cuttack |
| 2 | Thursday | 11-Dec-2025 | 7:00 PM | 2nd T20I | New Chandigarh |
| 3 | Sunday | 14-Dec-2025 | 7:00 PM | 3rd T20I | Dharamsala |
| 4 | Wednesday | 17-Dec-2025 | 7:00 PM | 4th T20I | Lucknow |
| 5 | Friday | 19-Dec-2025 | 7:00 PM | 5th T20I | Ahmedabad |
India enter the series as the No. 1 ranked T20I side, with South Africa placed fifth, setting the stage for a high-quality contest beginning December 9.
India T20I Squad
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
*Subject to fitness clearance from BCCI CoE.
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