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The Indian team is set to play 5-match T20I series against South Africa, starting 9th December 2025. The likes of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya are back in action after missing the ODI series against the Proteas due to injury. With the T20 World Cup just 2 months away, the preparations are under full swing and the Indian team is trying to see the best possible combination as they enter the final stage of the preparations.
Since 2024 T20 World Cup victory, the Indian team has been able to dominate in the shortest format of the game, winning almost every series in the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, including the all-important Asia Cup. With the big series underway, the cricket pundits have given their best possible 11 for the 5-match series.
Sanjay Bangar, who used to be the batting coach of team India has kept Arshdeep Singh out of his playing 11 and included an extra spinner in form of Kuldeep Yadav. Bangar feels that India can rely on Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube for pace while other bowlers (spinners) will add their variations.
"Unfortunately, there is no place for him (Arshdeep), considering the combination with which the Indian team has been playing till now, and Suryakumar Yadav also said they won't make too many changes. However, if Jasprit Bumrah isn't available, Arshdeep will come immediately because he also bowls like that," the former India all-rounder said.
"You have three bowlers like Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, who are wicket-takers in any format, and then you have a good restrictive option in Axar Patel. I haven't given a place to Sanju Samson in the team because the middle order is quite strong, and Jitesh Sharma can give you a good batting option at No. 7, as he has batted a lot at that position," Bangar added.
Sanjay Bangar's India Playing 11 vs South Africa
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy.
