India Clinches T20 Series Against South Africa, Prepares for Upcoming World Cup

India has triumphed in the T20 series against South Africa, winning 3-1, and is now preparing for the T20 World Cup. With only one series left before the World Cup, the Indian cricket board has announced a 15-member squad led by Suryakumar Yadav. The team will face New Zealand in a white-ball series starting January 11, featuring three ODIs and a five-match T20 series. This article covers the team's strategy, player selections, and the schedule for the upcoming matches, generating excitement for the cricketing events ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 18:44 IST

India's Victory in T20 Series

India has successfully secured a 3-1 victory in the five-match T20 series against South Africa. The Indian team showcased impressive performances throughout the four matches played, gearing up for the defense of their T20 title scheduled for February and March next year. With only one T20 series remaining before the World Cup starting on February 7, the Indian cricket board has announced the squad for the series.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead the 15-member team, while Shubman Gill has been excluded, making Axar Patel the vice-captain.

Team Strategy and Upcoming Matches

The strategy of placing Gill as an opener did not yield the desired results, prompting a return to the plan of having Sanju Samson at the top. Samson is the primary wicketkeeper, with Ishan Kishan serving as his backup. However, due to limited international appearances, Kishan and other team members will have fewer opportunities.

India is set to face New Zealand in a white-ball series at home next month, starting with three ODIs from January 11, followed by a five-match series beginning January 21.

Schedule of Upcoming Matches

The first ODI will take place at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, with the second ODI scheduled for January 14 at the NIRJAAN Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The final ODI will be held on January 18 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. The T20 internationals will kick off on January 21, starting with a match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, followed by the second match on January 23 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.

The series will continue with the third match in Guwahati at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on January 25, the fourth match on January 28 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, and the final T20 international on January 31 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. This series will be India's last before the T20 World Cup 2026 begins on February 7.