As India’s Test team, led by Rohit Sharma, gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the T20I side, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, will square off against South Africa in a four-match T20I series starting on November 8 in Durban. While India’s recent struggles in Tests and ODIs—including a series defeat against New Zealand and Sri Lanka—have raised questions, their form in T20Is remains strong. This series will provide the perfect opportunity for India to build on their T20 momentum.
The clash is particularly exciting as it will be a rematch of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, where India claimed the title. Despite the new setting and roster changes, the stakes remain high, with both teams eager to field new talents and instil confidence. The Aiden Markram-led South African squad, aiming to challenge India, will also bring the home advantage and high expectations.
South Africa vs India: Head-to-Head Record
Historically, India has held the upper hand over South Africa in T20Is, with 15 wins compared to the Proteas’ 11. On South African soil, India has fared well, securing victory in 9 of their 15 T20I encounters. This head-to-head advantage will give India confidence as they look to extend their dominance, though the South African side remains a formidable opponent on their turf.
T20 World Cup Final Rematch
This series marks the first encounter between the two teams since the T20 World Cup final, although both squads will look quite different from the ones that competed for the title. South Africa will miss key players like Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, and wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who were pivotal in their World Cup campaign. India’s squad also has notable absences but retains four members from their World Cup-winning team: captain Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and a few emerging players.
For India, this series will be a chance to test new talent and recalibrate strategies, especially in light of recent successes in the T20 format. South Africa, with home advantage, will look to capitalize on India’s transitional squad and make the most of the experience of players like Aiden Markram and others in their lineup.
India vs South Africa T20I series: Full squads
India full 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
South Africa full squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Tristan Stubbs, Lutho Sipamla
How to watch South Africa vs India T20I series in India:
Where will the South Africa vs India 1st T20I be played?
The first T20I between India and South Africa will be held at the Kingsmead cricket stadium in Durban on November 8.
When is South Africa vs India 1st T20I?
The first T20I between India and South Africa will be played on November 8, with the series opener starting at 8:30 pm.
Where can I watch South Africa vs India 1st T20I?
Live telecast of India’s 1st T20I against South Africa will be available on Sports18 1 and Sports18 1 HD TV channels in India. The match will also be available for livestreaming on the JioCinema app and website.
