India vs South Africa T20 Series: Shubman Gill-Hardik Pandya Return, BCCI Unveils New T20 World Cup Jersey

Squad Announcement and Key Returns

BCCI announced India's 15-member squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting December 9, 2025, with Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain, subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Gill, India's Test skipper, suffered a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, retiring hurt after a sweep shot, and has been sidelined since. Hardik Pandya marks his T20I return after missing the Asia Cup final due to a Super-4 stage injury, impressing with 77 runs and 1 wicket for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

This series serves as crucial preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Both comebacks boost India's white-ball prospects amid ongoing ODI series in Raipur.

T20 World Cup Jersey Launch in Raipur

BCCI unveiled Team India's new jersey for the 2026 T20 World Cup during the second ODI innings break in Raipur, attended by BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia, T20 player Tilak Varma, and brand ambassador Rohit Sharma. The heritage-design kit reflects India's recent T20 successes and connects with home fans ahead of the February 7 tournament start. Sharma's presence added star power to the event, generating buzz on social media.

Exclusions and South Africa Squad

Rinku's omission sparks debate given his finishing prowess in limited opportunities. South Africa's balanced squad blends experience like de Kock and Miller with pace attack led by Nortje and Ngidi.

Series Schedule and Stakes

The T20I series runs from December 9 to 19 across Indian venues, with the opener at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium post the third ODI on December 6. This high-stakes clash tests World Cup readiness for both sides, amplified by India's new jersey reveal and injury recoveries. Fans anticipate explosive batting from Gill and Pandya if cleared.