Cuttack hosts India vs South Africa today – December 9, 2025. The biggest question on everyone’s mind? Shubman Gill’s spot in the IND vs SA Playing 11.
Here’s the news – yes, Gill plays. Sanju Samson drops out, and Gill walks in. After losing 2 Tests badly, India won the ODI series back. Captain Suryakumar Yadav now eyes the T20 World Cup 2026.
Big Changes in India’s Playing 11
The Playing 11 looks different for this 1st T20. Jitesh Sharma gets the wicketkeeper role. That’s a fresh face behind the stumps.
Hardik Pandya hurt himself during practice. Doctors are checking if he can play. But Jasprit Bumrah returns after missing the ODIs. Bumrah rested his body and now he’s ready for those Yorkers. India’s bowling looks dangerous with him back.
India won six straight series after becoming the 2024 champions. The 1st match of IND vs SA 2025 tests if they can keep winning.
India: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
What to Expect from South Africa’s Playing 11
South Africa brings plenty of firepower under Aiden Markram’s leadership. The big news for them is Anrich Nortje coming back in 1st T20. He hasn’t played since the 2024 T20 World Cup. His return gives their bowling a real core again.
Their batting looks solid with Quinton de Kock leading from the front. Young guns Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs add fresh energy to the lineup. David Miller is still their go-to man when the team needs quick runs. Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch give them all-round options that balance the Playing 11 nicely.
This IND vs SA clash should give us some fantastic cricket moments.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje
What This IND vs SA 1st T20 Means for Both Teams
India wants revenge after losing the Tests in 2025. This format suits their style better anyway. Suryakumar’s captaincy brings new energy.
South Africa beat India in Tests. Now they face a different challenge. The IND vs SA series helps both teams prepare. The 2025 season against South Africa starts here in Cuttack.
