The Senior Men’s Selection Committee has opted for a balanced group that blends experienced T20 campaigners with in-form younger players. The selection also reflects long-term planning for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with multiple all-rounders and flexible batting options.
Key talking points include Suryakumar Yadav continuing as captain and Shubman Gill returning from injury as vice-captain, pending final fitness clearance. Hardik Pandya’s comeback further strengthens India’s all-round depth, while the spin department remains strong with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.
Full India T20I Squad vs South Africa 2025
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.
*Shubman Gill’s participation is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
India T20I Squad – Roles Table
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | Right-hand batter, captain |
| Shubman Gill* | Opening Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | Opening Batter |
| Tilak Varma | Middle-order batter |
| Hardik Pandya | Pace-bowling all-rounder |
| Shivam Dube | Batting all-rounder (medium pace) |
| Axar Patel | Bowling all-rounder (left-arm spin) |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Right-arm fast bowler |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Mystery spin bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Left-arm fast-medium bowler |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Left-arm wrist-spinner |
| Harshit Rana | Right-arm fast-medium bowler |
| Washington Sundar | Bowling all-rounder (off-spin) |
Also Read: Shubman Gill Girlfriend – List of Highly Rumoured Relationships
South Africa Tour of India 2025 – T20I Schedule
The South Africa tour of India 2025 includes a five-match T20I series as part of a full tour also featuring Tests and ODIs. All T20Is are scheduled as evening games, making dew and chasing trends an important tactical factor for both captains.
T20I Fixtures Table (India vs South Africa 2025)
| Match | Date | Time (Local) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 9 December 2025 | 7:00 PM | Cuttack |
| 2nd T20I | 11 December 2025 | 7:00 PM | New Chandigarh |
| 3rd T20I | 14 December 2025 | 7:00 PM | Dharamsala |
| 4th T20I | 17 December 2025 | 7:00 PM | Lucknow |
| 5th T20I | 19 December 2025 | 7:00 PM | Ahmedabad |
Selection Themes And Strategy
Selectors have clearly prioritised multi-dimensional players, with Pandya, Dube, Axar and Sundar giving India several bowling options without weakening the batting. The pace attack built around Bumrah and Arshdeep is backed by Harshit Rana’s inclusion as a fresh option for hit-the-deck and death overs.
Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal Family- Father, Mother, Siblings, Coach
In the batting unit, the presence of aggressive left-handers like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma alongside stroke-makers Suryakumar and Gill reflects India’s intent to play proactive, high-tempo T20 cricket. Carrying two wicketkeepers in Jitesh and Samson provides flexibility for both finishing roles and top-order reshuffles depending on conditions and opposition match-ups.
This article can also be formatted with meta description, subtitle, and additional sections like predicted XI and key battles if required.