India are entering the last stretch of preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins in February next year. With India 10 T20Is Before World Cup remaining, the team now has a perfect chance to get the squad combination right. India will open their World Cup campaign against the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 7.
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India Ready for a Crucial Test Against South Africa
India start their final build-up with a five-match home series against South Africa, beginning on Tuesday at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue will focus on polishing their game and finalising a strong group that can handle the pressure of playing a World Cup at home. The series also serves as a chance to make the most of India 10 T20Is Before World Cup.
The biggest talking point ahead of the series is the return of vice-captain Shubman Gill. He missed the first Test against South Africa on November 14 in Kolkata due to a neck injury. Speaking to bcci.tv, Gill said he now feels “much, much better” after spending several days completing skill and training sessions. With India 10 T20Is Before World Cup, his comeback is crucial for forming a strong opening partnership.
India will also benefit from the comeback of Hardik Pandya, who has been out due to injury. With two key players returning, the team management will closely observe how the batting order and all-round options settle before the mega tournament. India will play another five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January, giving players more chances to impress in the India 10 T20Is Before World Cup preparation window.
India’s recent T20I form has been outstanding. Since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, the team has won 26 out of 30 completed T20I matches, showing they remain one of the strongest sides in the format. The upcoming India 10 T20Is Before World Cup are vital for maintaining momentum.
Gill’s return also means that India can form a powerful opening pair with his close friend Abhishek Sharma. Sharma is in brilliant touch after a record-breaking performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 304 runs at a strike rate of nearly 250. His 148 off 52 balls against Bengal was one of the best knocks of the tournament. With India 10 T20Is Before World Cup, the openers’ partnership will be key.
Team Combinations, Player Form and Pitch Conditions
India’s middle order looks settled with Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson and captain Suryakumar Yadav taking up key roles. However, the team still needs to decide between two pace-bowling all-rounders — Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Although Pandya trained alone for more than an hour on Sunday, he did not take part in Monday’s main practice session. Making the right call during India 10 T20Is Before World Cup could be decisive.
Suryakumar will also look to return to form with the bat. Despite his reputation as a 360-degree hitter, he has not scored a half-century in his last 20 T20I innings. Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he managed only 165 runs in five matches. The upcoming India 10 T20Is Before World Cup are crucial for him to regain momentum.
Axar Patel remains an automatic pick because of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah returns after being rested for the ODI series. He will lead India’s pace attack along with left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav — in excellent form — is expected to partner Varun Chakravarthy. The team’s management will monitor combinations carefully in India 10 T20Is Before World Cup.
South Africa, meanwhile, will be without two important players: Tony de Zorzi and young pacer Kwena Maphaka, both out with injuries. The Proteas will, however, welcome back fast bowler Anrich Nortje, returning for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Captain Aiden Markram, along with Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch, will carry the visitors’ hopes during India 10 T20Is Before World Cup preparation.
The pitch at Barabati Stadium has been changed from the usual black soil to red soil for this match. This surface is expected to produce more bounce and allow the ball to come on nicely to the bat, raising the chances of a high-scoring contest. Dew, however, may trouble bowlers later in the evening as India make the most of their India 10 T20Is Before World Cup schedule.
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