There are less than 2 months left for the start of T20 World Cup 2026, but the problem of the batting line-up of the Indian team has not been solved. On one hand, due to the exclusion of Rinku Singh, the role of finisher within the team has become a matter of concern. In the first T20 match against South Africa in Cuttack, Jitesh Sharma was given the responsibility of wicketkeeper, while Sanju Samson, who was playing the role of wicketkeeper in the T20 team for 2 years, had to sit out.

This fact is not hidden from anyone that after the arrival of Gautam Gambhir, there has been a glut of all-rounder players in the middle order. In such a situation, only one slot remains vacant, on which a wicketkeeper or a finisher can be brought. It is very important to have a wicketkeeper in the team, but when Samson was ignored in Cuttack and Jitesh Sharma was played, many people were shocked. Jitesh Sharma himself has given a statement on this subject.

Samson like my big brother

Jitesh Sharma said in the post-match conference after the first T20 match, “To be honest, he is like an elder brother to me. Having more competition brings out your talent. It is also good for the team. There is a lot of talent in the team, you can also feel it.”

Jitesh Sharma further said, “Sanju bhaiya is a great player. I will have to compete with him, if that happens, I will have to give my best. We both are trying to play for Team India. We are like brothers. We have played a lot of cricket together and help me a lot. If I have to compete with him, play shoulder to shoulder, then I will have to show my A game.”

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India vs South Africa 1st T20 will be played in Cuttack on Tuesday. Earlier on Monday, captain Suryakumar Yadav came to the press conference, where he praised Sanju Samson and said that he can bat well in any order. However, he described Shubman Gill as deserving for the opening position.

Regarding Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav said, “Yes, when he came, he batted higher. I think everyone should be very flexible except the openers. He (Sanju) did very well when he came to bat higher. But Shubman Gill had played before him. Also in the Sri Lanka series. So he deserves that position (opener).”

Suryakumar Yadav further said, “We also gave opportunities to Sanju Samson. He was ready to play in every position. It is good that a player is flexible to play in every position. So I have told everyone except the openers that you have to be very flexible. So we have both of them in our team, one can open and the other can play in the lower order. Both are capable of playing anywhere.

Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill fit

Suryakumar Yadav said that Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill look completely fit. Pandya was injured in the Asia Cup, since then he has not played while Gill was injured in the first Test against South Africa. Surya said, “Both Gill and Pandya are looking healthy and fit.”

Surya said, “You also saw in the Asia Cup, when Hardik was bowling with the new ball, he opened up many options and combinations for us in the playing eleven. That’s what he brings to the team. His experience, the way he has performed well in all the big matches, all the ICC, ACC tournaments. I think that experience will be very useful and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the team.”

India’s probable playing 11

Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicket keeper), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakraborty.

After biting the dust in the ODI series, now Team India would like to defeat South Africa in the T20 series. The five-match ODI series between India and South will start from Tuesday, December 9. The first T20 match between the two teams will be played at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The match will start at 7 pm. The toss of this match will take place at 6:30 pm.

7 players will be out, Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya will return

Compared to the ODI series, 7 players will be out of the first T20. This includes Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Prasidh Krishna. All these players had performed brilliantly in the three-match ODI series, but they are not part of the T20 series.

The best news is that Shubman Gill has become fit. He will open the innings with Abhishek Sharma in the first T20. Apart from this, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will also return to the team. Who should be given a chance among Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, this will be a big question for coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav?

Where can you watch the first T20 between India and South Africa live?

You will be able to watch all the matches of the five-match T20 series between India and South Africa on TV on the channels of Star Sports Network. Whereas viewers watching the match on mobile will be able to watch all the matches of the T20 series live on JioHotstar.

Team India’s probable playing eleven for the first T20 against South Africa- Abhishek Sharma, Shubhman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana/Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.

15-member Team India for T20 series- Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubhman Gill, Tilak Verma, Abhishke Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakraborty, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana.

Former Indian spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has once again targeted Gautam Gambhir. Before the India vs South Africa third ODI, Ashwin said that Gautam Gambhir should ensure that Washington Sundar is clearly explained his role. Sundar has not been able to perform well with neither bat nor ball in this series. He was sent to bat at number 5 in the first ODI and at number six in the second ODI.

In the first 2 ODI matches against South Africa, Washington Sundar has scored 13 and one runs respectively. Whereas in bowling he could not take even a single wicket. In both the matches, he was made to bowl only 7 overs. Earlier in the Test series, Sundar was sent to bat at number-3, but in the very next match, he was sent back to the lower order.

Ashwin angry at Gambhir

Regarding the turmoil in the batting order, Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “When you are playing Washington Sundar, first of all you have to consider him as a bowler who can also bat. You should make him bowl the entire overs. If he keeps bowling, then his mentality will also be that of a bowler who can bat. If he keeps bowling a few overs and keeps batting in any order, then he will start losing his identity.”

Ashwin further said that the team management should not let Sundar go in such a situation from where he cannot understand anything. According to Ashwin, Sundar should get a clear answer regarding his role.

no finisher in the team

Ravichandran Ashwin also raised the question that Team India currently does not have any player who can finish the game. In the second ODI, Team India had scored 284 runs in 40 overs, but after that only 74 runs were scored in the last 10 overs. Ashwin said that in the absence of Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who hits big shots like him, is sitting on the bench.

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The Indian cricket team could not defend the big total of 358 runs in the last match. South Africa won by 4 wickets and leveled the series at 1-1. Now the decisive match of the series will be played on Saturday, 6 December at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. A major change is possible in the playing 11 of Team India.

Virat Kohli is in great form, he has scored centuries in both the matches of the series. His record in Visakhapatnam is also excellent, he has scored 3 centuries in ODIs on this ground. Team India’s record is also good on this ground, which is a good thing for KL Rahul as captain. However, they will be most worried about the toss, which Team India has not won in the last 2 years.

There may be a change in the playing 11 of Team India

India did win the first ODI played in Ranchi, but even there the situation got worse while defending a big total (349). Arshdeep Singh bowled well in the last match, he took 2 wickets for 54 runs in 10 overs. Prasidh Krishna also took 2 wickets, but he proved to be very expensive. Krishna gave away 85 runs in 8.2 overs with an economy of 10.20. Although he can play in the third match also.

Harshit Rana had given a good start in the first ODI, but in the second match he conceded 70 runs in 10 overs. Kuldeep Yadav also gave 78 runs with an economy of 7.80. Ravindra Jadeja is an experienced all-rounder, he was economical. But India would not like to tamper with this bowling combination, Nitish Kumar Reddy may return in the playing 11.

Who will be out?

All-rounder Washington Sundar may be out of the third ODI. His performance in the last two matches was not very good. He could not take any wicket in both the ODIs against South Africa, while scoring 13 runs in the first match and only 1 run in the second match.

India’s probable playing eleven

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (captain and wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.

Team India would now like to take revenge for the clean sweep in the Test series in the ODI series. The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa is to start from November 30. The first ODI match between the two teams will be played in Ranchi on Sunday. Regular captain Shubman Gill is not a part of this series due to neck injury. In his place, wicketkeeper batsman KL Rahul has been given the captaincy. Know here what the playing eleven of Team India could be like in the first ODI.

Will either of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal get a chance?

Former captain Rohit Sharma is sure to open in the first ODI. However, who will be his partner? This is a great question. Actually, there are two contenders to open with Rohit. In such a situation, only one of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal will get a chance. Star batsman Virat Kohli is also certain to play at number three.

Tilak Verma or Rishabh Pant, who will replace Shreyas Iyer?

ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also not a part of this series due to injury. In such a situation, Tilak Verma or Rishabh Pant can be seen playing in his place at number four. After this, captain KL Rahul’s play at number five is also confirmed. Nitish Kumar Reddy may get a chance in the ODI series in the role of Hardik Pandya.

Looking at the Ranchi pitch, Team India can field with 3 spinners. There are two all-rounders in it. Chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav can be seen in action along with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. Whereas in fast bowling, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh can be seen in action. Including Nitish Reddy there will be a total of six bowling options.

India’s probable playing eleven in the first ODI against South Africa- Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad/Yashaswi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul (captain and wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.

India vs South Africa 2nd Test is being played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Today is the first day of the test. India’s trend of losing the toss continued in this Test as well, Temba Bavuma has won the toss and decided to bat first. However, Rishabh Pant, who is playing his first Test as captain, said that bowling first here is also not a bad option.

India’s playing 11

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (captain, wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

of South Africa playing 11

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tony De Jorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verrey (wk), Marco Janson, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj.

Captains’ statement on toss

On Test captaincy, Pant said, “It’s a proud moment. I hadn’t thought about it but I want to make the most of this opportunity.” He further said, “We feel that the wicket is good for batting but at the same time bowling first is also not a bad option.”

After winning the toss, Temba Bavuma said, “We have to start afresh. The wicket is looking much better. We will try to make a good score first and play the game from there. There are no cracks visible on the pitch. The first Test is being played here and I am happy to be a part of this historic moment.”

There will be tea break before lunch

There are 3 sessions in a day of test cricket. There is lunch after the first session and tea break after the second. But it will be different in Guwahati. There will be a tea break after the first session and lunch break after the second session.

• First session- 9 am to 11 am
• T-break- 11 am to 11:20 pm
• Second session- 11:20 am to 1:20 pm
• Lunch break- 1:20 pm to 2 pm
• Third session- From 2 pm to 4 pm.

Team India is lagging behind by 0-1

After losing the first test in Kolkata, Team India is trailing 0-1 in the 2-match series. If Temba Bavuma and team is successful in drawing this test then the visiting team will win the series. Therefore, India has to win this test at any cost to end the series on par.

India vs South Africa 2nd Test will be played from Saturday, November 22 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Team India has to win this test at any cost, because even if it is a draw then the visiting team will win the series. Indian captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second test, although it is yet to be officially confirmed. Gill suffered neck pain on the second day of the first Test, after which he had to leave the field. He also stayed in the hospital for a day, although he has reached Guwahati with the team.

In the Kolkata Test, Washington Sundar batted at number three, in the second innings he performed better than other batsmen but it is unlikely that he will bat in this position in the second test also. After Pujara, Team India has tried many players in this position.

Sudarshan or Washington, who is at number three?

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal start the innings, there does not seem to be any threat to their positions in the second test. However, the third position is going to be very interesting. Sai Sudarshan can bat at number three, the possibility of this is increasing because Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the second test is considered almost certain. Let us tell you that many veterans were surprised at the decision of not playing Sudarshan in the last test.

Captain Shubman Gill bats at number four, due to his absence Rishabh Pant can play at this position. Pant is the vice-captain and will take command of the team in Gill’s absence. In the last Test, Pant played at number 5, Ravindra Jadeja can come to this position in Guwahati.

Which position will Washington Sundar play?

Dhruv Jurel can come to bat at number six and all-rounder Washington Sundar can come to bat at number seven. After him, Akshar Patel can come at number 8, this also shows the depth in India’s batting.

Kuldeep Yadav can also play in Guwahati Test, there is every possibility of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj as 2 fast bowlers. There is very little possibility that Bumrah will take rest from the second Test due to workload management, because there is news that he can be rested in the ODI series.

India’s probable playing 11 for the second test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Rishabh Pant (captain/wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

The second test match between India and South Africa will be played in Guwahati from 22nd November. In the first match of the two-match Test series, visiting South Africa defeated Team India and took a 1-0 lead in the series. Now to avoid a clean sweep in the series, the Indian team will have to win the second test match at any cost. If reports are to be believed, it is difficult for captain Shubman Gill and chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav to play in the second test match.

Let us tell you that the Indian team management has not yet decided on the playing of Shubman Gill in the second Test match to be played in Guwahati from 22nd November. However, many media reports have claimed that Gill will not be able to play in the second test match. In such a situation, wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant will lead the team in his place.

Nitish Reddy joins the team as replacement of Shubman Gill

Nitish Kumar Reddy was earlier released from Team India, so that he could play for India-A. However, now Reddy has been included in Team India again. He has rejoined the team as a replacement for captain Shubman Gill. Gill will also go to Guwahati with the team, but it is difficult for him to play.

Kuldeep Yadav also finds it difficult to play in the second test

According to the report, Chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav may miss the second test against South Africa. According to media reports, Kuldeep Yadav is getting married at the end of November. In such a situation he can go on leave. The report also says that Kuldeep has already requested for leave from BCCI.

Possible playing eleven of Team India in the second test- KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudarshan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (captain and wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

South Africa’s tour of India is starting with the Test series, the first match of which is going to start from Friday, 14th November. Akshar Patel may have to sit out in this test to be held at Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. It is considered certain that Dhruv Jurel will play, the assistant coach had confirmed that Jurel and Pant can play together. Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to sit out, which has been confirmed by BCCI itself.

Rishabh Pant, who was injured during the England tour, has now fully recovered and is ready to play his first international match after about 3 months. In such a situation, it is believed that Team India can enter Kolkata with a combination of 3 fast bowlers and 2 spinners.

Why was Nitish Kumar Reddy out?

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been out of the first test only, although the reason for this is not due to injury. Let us tell you that Nitish was also injured during the Australia tour. He had already started practicing after reaching Kolkata, perhaps he would not have been in the playing 11, hence BCCI released him from the squad to play against South Africa A.

Giving an update, BCCI said, “Nitish will join the India A team for the ODI series against South Africa A in Rajkot and after the end of the ‘A’ series, he will return to the Team India team for the second Test.

NEWS

Nitish Kumar Reddy released from India’s squad for the first Test.

Nitish will join the India A squad for the One-day series against South Africa A in Rajkot and will return to #TeamIndia squad for the second Test post the conclusion of the ‘A’ series.

Details…

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 12, 2025

In the playing 11 combination of Team India, 3 spinners can play in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj will be the two fast bowlers. Indian team’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also said in the press conference that Dhruv Jurel scored 2 centuries against South Africa A, he will play this week. He had also said that Nitish would not be able to make a place in the playing 11.

Rishabh Pant or Dhruv Jurel, who will be the wicket keeper?

Now the big question is that if both Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant are in the playing 11, then who will do the wicket keeping. There is every possibility that Pant will be the wicket-keeper, because if he was not completely fit then the management would not be in a hurry to field him.

India’s probable playing 11

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket keeper), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Where to watch live India vs South Africa 1st Test?

The first Test between India and South Africa will be telecast live on Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be on JioHotstar app and website.