IND vs SA: Four takeaways for India from T20I series against South Africa

India won the IND vs SA T20I series by a margin of 3-1 after a win in the final game.

Team India proved to be too good for South Africa in the final game at Narendra Modi Stadium and recorded a 30-run win. It was a high-scoring clash, and India came up with a clinical batting display, despite losing the toss.

India had one bad game in Mullanpur, but apart from that, they didn’t let South Africa come near them at any point. In two matches, they batted first and defended the total despite heavy dew.

Team India are looking prepared for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is 5-6 weeks away from now. This series was very important, as there were some areas which India needed to address. So, let’s talk about four takeaways for India from the IND vs SA T20I series.

IND vs SA: Four takeaways from T20I Series

1. Sanju Samson’s Top-order comeback

India stuck with Shubman Gill at the top with Abhishek Sharma until the vice-captain was unfit to feature in the final game. That’s when Sanju Samson was given his only opportunity in the series. And he pounced on it with both hands.

In three innings, Gill scored 32 runs at a strike rate of 103.22, whereas Samson scored 37 off 22 at a strike rate of 168.18 in the only inning he batted. It itself indicates that with Samson at the top, India have a better batting combination, which looks fragile with Gill at the top.

2. Hardik Pandya’s comeback into the Team

Before this series, Hardik Pandya played his last T20I for India during the Asia Cup 2025 against Sri Lanka. He suffered a quadriceps injury, which kept him away from action for almost two months. He made his comeback in the IND vs SA T20I series, and it was a stunning comeback.

Hardik finished the series with 142 runs at a dazzling strike rate of 186.84. He also bowled decent spells and took three wickets. His presence in the team gives the perfect balance to the team in both departments, and this series was the perfect example of it.

3. Is Shubman Gill the right choice for the opening position?

Since Shubman Gill returned to the T20I side, he has been placed at the top of the order with Abhishek Sharma. India have also appointed him as the vice-captain of the team. That indicates how India are looking at him as a possible all-format captain, but it has certainly unbalanced India’s combination.

Gill has been tremendous in Tests and ODIs, but his T20I form has become a headache for India. His last T20I fifty came against Zimbabwe in July 2024. Since then, he has played 18 innings with a single fifty. In 2025, Gill has played 15 innings and has scored 291 runs at a below-par average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26.

That is not up to the standard. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 coming up, Gill’s numbers aren’t encouraging. That is where India can stick with Samson at the top with Abhishek, which is a proven and successful opening duo at the top.

4. Arshdeep Singh in first-choice XI

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is in India, and the defending champion are expected to choose a spin-heavy bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are the seam options. That is where India might also need Arshdeep Singh as well.

The left-arm pacer has been India’s highest T20I wicket-taker and has proved that he is also good in the subcontinent. India have rested Arshdeep in some home matches before, but in tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, he becomes a vital player. Especially with his ability to take wickets with the new ball and also contain the batters in death overs.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.