India versus South Africa in the first T20I on December 9 at the Barabati Stadium, and all eyes are on a fresh pitch on red soil that is expected to be fast and full of runs. Both teams see this series as part of a longer plan, even as India insist their preparation for the next World Cup started 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 think the red soil will play well too. A red soil wicket can also be fast. If it is fast, that’s good.”
India will be hoping Hardik Pandya is fit to bowl after a mild discomfort over the past few days. His presence gives balance to the team as he can take the new ball and bat at number 6. His return also determines the middle order around Dube and Axar.
Shubman Gill is set to open after recovering from a neck injury. He will team up with Abhishek Sharma, who gives India early power. This will probably keep Sanju Samson out of the first eleven.
Probably 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 is also almost at full strength. Aiden Markram returns as captain and opens with Quinton de Kock. Brevis, Stubbs and David Miller form a dangerous middle order. Anrich Nortje is back after a long injury break and adds sharp pace.
South Africa: Quinton van Cock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tony van Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, sad Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen.
Markram said the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli does not lessen the challenge. “It’s great that they are not part of the T20I side, but they are still 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 fast surface expected again, the toss winner may prefer to bowl, although the new pitch carries some risk.
Bumrah has 99 T20I wickets and is on the verge of being included in the elite list of bowlers with 100 or more wickets across all three formats. Hardik is also close to his own milestone at the age of 98.
Suryakumar said India has been following a steady plan since 2024. “Our preparation started right after we won the T20 World Cup in 2024. We are studying 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 will now look to test their style in conditions similar to what they expect in the 2026 World Cup cycle. With a fast delivery, strong batting line-ups and returning stars, Cuttack could serve up a high-scoring start.
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