3 player battles to watch out for in IND vs SA 2025 T20I series ft. Hardik Pandya

India and South Africa are set to face off in a five-match T20I series, beginning Tuesday, December 9, at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The two sides previously competed in two Tests and three ODIs.

While the Proteas completed a historic 2-0 whitewash in the red-ball games, the hosts secured a 2-1 ODI series victory. The five T20Is are crucial for both sides on the road to the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.

The series marks the return of Team India T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya following their respective injury layoffs. For the visitors, senior players David Miller and Anrich Nortje will make a comeback after having recovered from injuries.

The head-to-head record for the format stands at 18-12 in favour of the Men in Blue, with one match ending in a no result. A riveting series is on the cards as the 2024 T20 World Cup winners India take on the runners-up of the edition.

Here, we take a look at three player battles to watch out for in the five-match series.

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#1 Dewald Brevis (SA) vs Varun Chakaravarthy (IND)

Dewald Brevis is one of the most dangerous batters in the South African lineup. The youngster has made a name for himself with swashbuckling knocks in white-ball cricket.

He has dominated spin bowlers on multiple occasions. However, his battle with wily spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is likely to be a closely contested one.

While the sample size may be small, Chakaravarthy has enjoyed some success against Brevis. The 23-year-old has faced the mystery spinner two times in the IPL and has lost his wicket to him on both occasions.

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#2 Abhishek Sharma (IND) vs Anrich Nortje (SA)

Abhishek Sharma has been in sensational form this year. He was the Player of the Series in the side's five-match away T20I series against Australia last month, and also in the 2025 Asia Cup earlier this year.

South Africa could rely on tearaway fast bowler Anrich Nortje to get the better of the southpaw early. It will be the pacer's first series since the 2024 T20 World Cup, and he will be keen to make an impact on his comeback.

Abhishek hasn't gotten out to the bowler so far in T20 cricket and has scored 23 runs off 10 balls at a fantastic strike rate of 230.

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#3 David Miller (SA) vs Hardik Pandya (IND)

South Africa's middle order lynchpin David Miller is expected to play a significant role for his team. The veteran batter has played a lot of matches in India and his contribution will be key for the touring side.

He could face a tough challenge against Hardik Pandya. The right-arm pacer has claimed Miller's wicket seven times in 14 T20 innings, while conceding 70 runs from 54 deliveries.

Hardik's short-of-length balls could prove to be successful against the dynamic batter. However, Miller's experience cannot be discounted and he too could have the upper hand over the all-rounder this time around.