IND vs SA: Who said what after first T20I in Cuttack

India won the first IND vs SA T20I by 101 runs in Cuttack.

India started the T20I series against South Africa with a dominant victory in Cuttack, winning by a massive margin of 101 runs. After initial blows, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side managed to post a total of 175 runs in the first innings with Hardik Pandya smashing a 59-run knock off just 28 balls.

In the second innings, India were all over South Africa and wrapped up the Proteas for just 74 runs. This was the lowest total for South Africa in T20Is. India’s collective bowling effort was led by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, with all of them picking up two wickets each.

The hosts started the IND vs SA T20I series on a high, taking an early lead. The series also is the second last for India ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and they would be keen to carry on the momentum from the first game and win the series.

IND vs SA: I am just trying to enjoy the present and have fun – Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh had an impressive performance with the ball. Discussing his performance, he said:

“Thought process is simple, just go there and use as much as there in the wicket. If you are hitting the seam hard, there was something in the wicket. The idea was to hit the seam hard and get something out of the wicket.

Arshdeep also congratulated Jasprit Bumrah for completing his 100 wickets in T20Is for India. “I just told him [Bumrah] welcome to the 100 club. I am just trying to enjoy the present and have fun. It is very rare you get to play on such kind of wickets where there is swing and seam. I just wanted to stay disciplined,” said the left-arm pacer.

IND vs SA: We would have taken 175 at the toss – Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram reflected on South Africa’s collapse and felt 175 was a chasable total. He said:

“There was some good form with the ball and field. Some boxes tricked, but the batting went downhill. Pity that it happened in the first game. [Surface] Felt it was quite sticky, some tennis ball bounce. We would have taken 175 at the toss. You can always nitpick and say we could have had them 10-15 runs short. But we would have taken it. [Batting] We didn’t have a lot of partnerships. We will have a brief conversation around it.”

IND vs SA: We want everyone to be fearless and enjoy their batting – Suryakumar Yadav

The Indian skipper was proud of the performance that his team delivered in the first T20I.

“I told at the toss we were 50:50 but happy to bat. At 48 for 3 and to get 175, was great. We thought we would get to 160, but 175 was unbelievable. With 7-8 batters, there will be days when the other batters cover it up,” Surya said about the thought process that the team had while batting.

“We want everyone to be fearless and enjoy their batting,” said Surya, making it evident that team India will be continuing with the fearless approach.

When asked about the bowling effort, he said, “I think Arshdeep and Bumrah were the perfect bowlers in the powerplay. Hardik coming back later on, him coming back from injury we had to take care of him. [Happy with 175?] Batting first 48 for 3, scoring 90-91 from seven to 15 and then we finishing with 44 runs and getting to 175 was commendable. The way we bowled, the options we had, I was very happy.”

IND vs SA: It doesn’t matter what Hardik Pandya wants; it is about what India wants – Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya emerged as the Player of the match for his unbeaten half-century and a wicket with the ball.

“I had to back my shots. I realised the wicket had a bit of spice. I had to be a bit gutsy. It was more about timing the ball, not breaking the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting,” Hardik revealed what he was thinking when he came to bat.

Talking about his fitness, he said, “The last six-seven months have been great from my fitness point of view. These last 50 days, being away from loved ones, being at NCA, making sure that all these things are covered. It was satisfying when you come here, the results come like this.”

“As a cricketer, I have never been fussy about what roles I have in the game. I have always been motivated to all the time make sure that it doesn’t matter what Hardik Pandya wants, it is about what India wants. The mindset helps me. I have always tried to put my team first. That is my biggest USP, and that is what has helped me,” Hardik said.

Finally, he discussed his plans against Keshav Maharaj. “I knew he wouldn’t be going closer to Axar. I don’t think I was planning that. If it came in my arc, I was going for it. He took a chance, so did I. Mine was more calculative on that track. I tried to capitalise, and it paid off. It is about gamesmanship and identifying the right bowlers and take the bowlers down. If it comes off, it looks good,” he concluded.

The focus now shifts towards the second IND vs SA T20I, which will be played on December 11 in New Chandigarh

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