India vs South Africa in the first T20I on December 9 at Barabati Stadium, and all eyes are on a fresh red-soil pitch that is expected to be quick and full of runs. Both teams see this series as part of a longer plan, even though India insist their preparation for the next World Cup began soon after the 2024 title win.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav smiled when asked about the pitch. He said, “Red soil. And for the first time? I haven’t seen it yet. Black soil would have been better, but I feel the red soil will also play well. A red-soil wicket can be quick too. If it’s fast, that’s good.”
India hope Hardik Pandya is fit to bowl after a slight discomfort in recent days. His presence gives the team balance because he can take the new ball and bat at No. 6. His return also shapes the middle order around Dube and Axar.
Shubman Gill is set to open after recovering from a neck injury. He will partner Abhishek Sharma, who gives India early power. This likely keeps Sanju Samson out of the first eleven.
Probable Playing XI
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.
South Africa are nearly full strength too. Aiden Markram returns as captain and is set to open with Quinton de Kock. Brevis, Stubbs and David Miller shape a dangerous middle order. Anrich Nortje is back after a long injury break and adds sharp pace.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Donovan Ferreira or Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje.
Markram said the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli does not lower the challenge. “It’s great that they are not part of the T20I side, but still it’s a great Indian team. T20 is a different battle. We will approach it with a different plan.”
India have played South Africa twice at this venue, in 2015 and 2022, and lost both while defending scores. With a quick surface expected again, the toss winner may prefer to bowl, though the new pitch carries some risk.
Bumrah sits on 99 T20I wickets and is close to joining the elite list of bowlers with 100 or more wickets in all three formats. Hardik, on 98, is also near his own milestone.
Suryakumar said India have followed a steady plan since 2024. “Our preparation began right after we won the T20 World Cup in 2024. We study for a year or two, not just the last four days. In the last five or six series we have played with a similar combination. We don’t want to change too much.”
Both teams now look to test their style in conditions similar to what they expect in the 2026 World Cup cycle. With a quick pitch, strong batting lineups and returning stars, Cuttack could serve a high-scoring start.