India vs South Africa T20I Series 2025: Full Schedule, Squad Updates, Streaming Details and Major Returning Stars Boost India’s Campaign

India vs South Africa T20I 2025: The much-anticipated India vs South Africa T20I Series 2025 begins on December 9, marking a crucial phase for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. India enter the series with renewed strength following a 2-1 ODI victory and the return of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, both declared fit after injury layoffs. 

South Africa, who dominated the Test series 2-0 but faltered in the ODIs, arrived seeking balance and preparation. With five matches scheduled across Cuttack, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad, the series promises high-intensity cricket, competitive matchups and major selection insights.

Key Takeaways: India vs South Africa T20I Series 2025 – Schedule, Squads, Streaming and Tournament Importance

• The five-match India vs South Africa T20I series begins on December 9 and ends on December 19, with all fixtures starting at 7 PM IST.
  
• Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya return after recovering from injuries, significantly strengthening India’s balance.
  
• Suryakumar Yadav continues as India’s T20I captain, while Aiden Markram leads South Africa.
  
• Live telecast is available on Star Sports Network; live streaming on JioHotstar / JioStar.
  
• India have won 18 of 31 T20Is against South Africa; the Proteas won 12, with one match ending in no result.
  
• The series serves as a key build-up toward the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
  

India vs South Africa T20I Series 2025: Complete Breakdown

India Strengthens Squad as Gill and Pandya Return Fully Fit

India received a major boost with the return of vice-captain Shubman Gill, cleared after recovering from the neck injury he suffered during the opening Test. His absence forced him to miss the second Test and the full ODI series, but his return restores solidity to India’s top order.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya, sidelined since India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph due to a quadriceps injury, also re-enters the T20 setup. His presence adds vital depth in both batting and bowling, effectively balancing the middle order.

Both comebacks were confirmed by the BCCI Centre of Excellence, ensuring India fields a stronger unit across the five matches.

Full Series Schedule: Dates, Venues and Match Timings

All matches will begin at 7 PM IST, with coverage starting at 6 PM IST across broadcasters.

Where to Watch India vs South Africa T20 Series Live

In India

• TV Telecast: Star Sports Network
  
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar / JioStar app and website
  

International Broadcast

• South Africa: SuperSport
  
• Australia: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports
  
• USA & Canada: Willow TV
  
• UK & Ireland: Sky Sports
  

Millions of global viewers are expected to tune in as both teams prepare for the next World Cup cycle.

India and South Africa Teams Arrive to a Grand Reception

Both squads landed in Bhubaneswar ahead of the opening T20I, receiving a ceremonial welcome at Hotel Mayfair. Odisha Cricket Association president Pankaj Lochan Mohanty confirmed that the Barabati Stadium is fully prepared with “foolproof arrangements,” ensuring crowd safety, player security and smooth logistics.

Also Read: IND vs SA 3rd ODI in Vizag: Full Match Details, Squads, Pitch, Tickets, Streaming and Decider Stakes

Training sessions began promptly, with both sides hitting the nets to acclimatise to coastal conditions before the opening match.

India vs South Africa T20I Squads

India T20I Squad

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill, 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.

South Africa T20I Squad

Aiden Markram (C), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs.

India’s Probable XI for the 1st T20I

• Abhishek Sharma
  
• Shubman Gill
  
• Suryakumar Yadav
  
• Tilak Varma
  
• Hardik Pandya
  
• Shivam Dube
  
• Jitesh Sharma
  
• Axar Patel
  
• Kuldeep Yadav
  
• Harshit Rana / Arshdeep Singh
  
• Jasprit Bumrah
  

This XI is based solely on squad availability and combination analysis provided in your chunks.

Head-to-Head Record: India Maintain Clear Advantage

India and South Africa have contested 31 T20 internationals, with:

• India winning 18
  
• South Africa winning 12
  
• 1 match ending without result
  

The teams last met in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where India secured a narrow seven-run victory, adding further intensity to this rivalry.

Series Importance Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

This series acts as a rehearsal for both sides before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7, 2026. India have not lost a T20I series since their 2023 defeat to West Indies, winning nine series and drawing one, establishing strong momentum.

South Africa, meanwhile, aim to refine combinations and gain confidence after inconsistent white-ball performances earlier in the tour.

A Defining Reflection of the Series Build-Up

The India vs South Africa T20I Series 2025 arrives at a decisive moment in world cricket. India seek continuity after a commanding ODI performance and the return of two of their most influential players, while South Africa look to regain their rhythm after mixed fortunes on tour. 

With five matches spread across iconic Indian venues and global audiences tuning in, the series promises high-pressure contests, evolving team strategies and selection debates that will directly influence preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026. As both teams sharpen their approach, fans are set to witness a compelling showcase of intent, skill and competitive spirit.

FAQs on India vs South Africa T20I Series 2025

1. When does the India vs South Africa T20I Series 2025 start?

The India vs South Africa T20I Series 2025 begins on December 9, with all five matches scheduled between December 9 and December 19 across five Indian venues.

2. Where can fans watch the IND vs SA T20I Series live?

The live broadcast will be available on Star Sports Network, while fans can stream all matches on the JioHotstar or JioStar app and website in India.

3. Which players are returning for India in this T20 series?

Shubman Gill returns after a neck injury, and Hardik Pandya rejoins the squad following a quadriceps injury, strengthening India’s batting, bowling and overall balance.

4. What are the venues for the IND vs SA T20I Series 2025?

The series will be played in Cuttack, Chandigarh (Mullanpur), Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad, each hosting one match of the five-game T20I contest.

5. Who are the captains for India and South Africa in this series?

Suryakumar Yadav leads India, while Aiden Markram captains South Africa, guiding their respective squads through the five-match T20I preparation ahead of T20 World Cup 2026.