India face South Africa in the 1st T20I at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, on December 9, 2025, marking the series opener in a five-match contest ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The venue introduces a red-soil pitch for the first time, blending bounce, pace, and a hint of green to favour batters in T20 conditions, potentially resembling high-scoring Wankhede tracks despite historical averages of 140 in first innings. Captains may opt to bowl first amid dew risks, but uncertainty lingers on this untested surface where South Africa previously won both T20Is against India, including bowling them out for 92 in 2015.
Suryakumar Yadav leads a near-full-strength India, boasting a 26-4 T20I record since their 2024 World Cup triumph, emphasizing continuity in combinations. Shubman Gill returns as vice-captain post-neck injury, pairing with explosive opener Abhishek Sharma (strike rate 189.51 in T20Is), while Hardik Pandya‘s fitness—crucial for balance with batting depth to No. 8 and six bowling options—remains key after recent net discomfort.
Aiden Markram captains South Africa, who struggle at 9-16 in T20Is post-2024 World Cup final, missing Heinrich Klaasen to retirement and facing a tough India assignment. Quinton de Kock opens, with David Miller back from hamstring issues and Anrich Nortje returning since the final—effective against Gill (4 dismissals in 7 T20Is) and Suryakumar (2 in 6).
IND vs SA T20I 2025: Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Local Time (IST) | GMT |
| 1st T20I | Dec 9, 2025 | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack | 7:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| 2nd T20I | Dec 11, 2025 | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur | 7:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| 3rd T20I | Dec 14, 2025 | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala | 7:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| 4th T20I | Dec 17, 2025 | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | 7:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| 5th T20I | Dec 19, 2025 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
