India vs South Africa Live Score, 1st T20I: Will Sanju Samson make India’s playing XI against South Africa?
IND vs SA Live Score: India vs South Africa – T20I Series Preview
India and South Africa clash in the first T20I on Tuesday in Cuttack, with both teams using this five-match series to sharpen their preparations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Since contesting the thrilling 2024 final in Barbados, India have maintained their dominant run, winning 26 of 30 T20Is, while South Africa have struggled, winning nine and losing 16.
India enter this series with a largely settled squad. Continuity and role clarity have helped players settle into their positions. With the return of Shubman Gill from a neck injury and Hardik Pandya after a quadriceps issue, India are close to full strength. Hardik’s presence remains key, as India have won 25 of 28 T20Is he has played since 2024. The team will still need to decide the No. 8 slot and whether Jitesh Sharma continues as wicketkeeper ahead of Sanju Samson.
South Africa, on the other hand, are still finding their best combinations. The retirement of Heinrich Klaasen and frequent absences of key players have unsettled the side. Captain Aiden Markram leads the team back from rest, with David Miller and Anrich Nortje returning from injury. Their lineup will aim to provide clarity ahead of the World Cup.
Cuttack’s pitch offers a balanced contest. Early movement assists seamers, spinners get some grip, and dew could make bowling tricky. The last two T20Is here have gone South Africa’s way, including a memorable win in 2015 and a tighter contest seven years later.
Expect key battles like Hardik Pandya’s all-round impact against South Africa’s middle order, and Dewald Brevis, who is destructive against spin with a strike rate of 225. With India chasing milestones such as 100 T20I wickets for Bumrah and Hardik, and 1,000 runs for Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, the series promises high-stakes action from the first ball.
