IND vs SA T20Is: India start favourites but expect Proteas to push hosts harder

With the World T20 just around the corner in India, this series between India and South  Africa carries significant context and importance for both sides. Both teams look relatively  settled in terms of balance and personnel, with a clear sense of direction in how they want  to shape their squads.  

Starting with India, it appears that Shubman Gill is set to return, which is a major boost. I  am expectating him to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, a pairing that makes logical  sense given their complementary styles. If I were to pick the XI, Tilak Varma would slot in at  number three, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at four. 

The thinking behind that combination revolves around match scenarios. Should India lose  a relatively early wicket, having a genuine number three like Tilak could provide flair and also he has excellent match awareness and owns just the right temperament required in a  number 3. Tilak at 3 allows Suryakumar to play his natural attacking game in a more flexible  manner depending on how the match unfolds. This structure also ensures India maintain a  well-defined top order. Following that, options such as Sanju and Hardik come into play.  

What stands out about this batting group is how specific and specialist it is. There is real  quality throughout, a clear distinction of roles, and a sense of purpose in how the top six is  built. 

In contrast, some T20 sides—possibly including South Africa—tend to rely heavily on  genuine all-rounders, creating a balancing act that can sometimes dilute clarity. While all rounders are naturally appealing because they help cover multiple bases, the belief here is  that specialist batters and specialist bowlers form the ideal core, with all-rounders offering  additional flexibility rather than forming the bulk of the line-up. That is the main reason  behind the admiration for India’s structure: the top six feels established, settled, and  secure. 

Moving to number seven, that position remains open to conditions-based decisions.  Depending on the surface and match requirements, India could opt for Axar Patel with left arm spin, Washington Sundar with off-spin, or Shivam Dube. All three bring similar  qualities as genuine all-rounders—reliable and dangerous with the bat and capable of  contributing strongly with the ball. Having such options for a single slot places India in a  favourable position, where the team can adapt tactically without compromising on quality  or cohesion.

A significant strength lies in the bowling attack, particularly when Arshdeep Singh and  Jasprit Bumrah play together. Not only does this partnership bring genuine left-arm  variation and the unmatched quality of Bumrah, but it also enhances Hardik Pandya’s  effectiveness in the middle overs. When either Arshdeep or Bumrah is missing, Hardik  often ends up opening the bowling, a role in which he is not seen as being at his best. The  preferred scenario is one where Hardik avoids the new ball and instead operates in the  middle phases, working alongside the spinners. This provides India with a balanced attack  through all stages of the innings. 

Overall, India appear to be in strong shape. The return of experienced players highlights the  depth and talent within the squad. It is striking how different this group looks compared to  the ODI side, yet the quality remains exceptional. The return of Varun Chakaravarthy is  particularly noteworthy. I am a huge fan of his skills, and I think his presence alongside  Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs is transformative. Though both are leg-spin or mystery spin bowlers, they are contrasting in style and complement each other remarkably well.  With Bumrah available to bowl in multiple phases, India possess a complete and  formidable attack that will be difficult to beat not only in this series but also in the World  T20. 

Turning to South Africa, they face a considerable challenge against this Indian side. Their  key strength lies in their batting unit. As mentioned previously in the ODI context, I hope  that Dewald Brevis takes the number three position. Quinton de Kock is coming in with  good form behind him, and there is also hope that Aiden Markram opens the innings.  Following them is a promising group of improving talents, including Tristan Stubbs, who  continues to develop into a high-quality player. David Miller’s return adds vast experience,  giving the batting line-up greater stability and threat. 

Looking at that South African batting group, one could argue that this may be their moment  in a World T20. They have invested in experienced players who may not remain at the top  level for much longer, and there is a sense that this blend of youth and experience gives  them a window of opportunity. Their use of all-rounders is also particularly interesting.  Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen appear integral to their overall balance, and it is assumed  both will feature. Donovan Ferreira offers something different altogether—arguably hitting  the ball harder and further than anyone in world cricket at present. If he finds momentum,  he has the ability to change the entire trajectory of a match within minutes. 

South Africa therefore carry experience, dynamism, and danger within their side, with  several players capable of altering games quickly. Many of them have also played a  substantial amount of IPL cricket, giving them familiarity with Indian conditions. Their 

bowling unit may be considered their weaker suit compared to other aspects, yet it  remains competitive. Options such as Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Jansen, Bosch, and  George Linde—who has played a lot of T20 cricket—provide enough variety and knowledge  of subcontinental surfaces.