India vs South Africa 3rd T20I: The third T20 match between India and South Africa is scheduled to be played today in Dharamshala. Both India and South Africa have won one match each in the five-match T20 International series so far. While Team India secured an easy victory in Cuttack, South Africa won the second match. With a win in today's match, both teams will be looking to stake their claim to winning the series.
Regarding the Indian team, questions are being raised about the continuous exclusion of Sanju Samson and the failure of vice-captain Shubman Gill as an opener. Therefore, Sanju is likely to get a chance in the third match. The question is, who will he replace? If Sanju plays, Jitesh Sharma might have to sit out.
Shubman Gill's place in the team is secure, as he is the vice-captain. Despite his consistent failures as an opener, he is likely to play in the third match as well. It's clear that Gill's continued presence as an opener disregards Sanju Samson's impressive opening record, which includes three centuries. No other changes are expected in the Indian team. South Africa is also likely to field the same team.
Opener Abhishek Sharma has shown brilliant form in T20Is in 2025 and has established himself as one of India's most reliable top-order scorers. He will be expected to deliver another explosive innings against South Africa in the third match. Abhishek struggled in the second T20I of the series, which led to the collapse of the top order. After the defeat, India will be hoping for a big score from their opener to bounce back.
Tilak Varma has emerged as a key batsman in India's middle order. In the ongoing T20I series, he has scored the most runs for India with 88 runs and has consistently performed well under pressure. Suryakumar Yadav remains India's T20I captain, and his role in the batting lineup is crucial. However, his form in recent matches hasn't been up to his usual standards. He will need to score big in the third match.
In bowling department Varun Chakravarthy has been India's leading wicket-taker in this series. He has delivered several crucial wickets and economical spells in T20Is this year. His mystery spin troubles opposing batsmen, making him a vital spin option for India in the middle overs.
On the other hand South Africa is coming off a win in their last match. Everyone performed well with the bat, but Reeza Hendricks had a poor outing in the previous game. Ryan Rickelton could replace him. However, the South African team will probably not change their winning combination. They are likely to play with the same team.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wicket keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar.
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wicket keeper), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs.
IND vs SA Head-to-Head Records
India and South Africa have played 33 T20I matches against each other so far, with India winning 19 and South Africa winning 13. One match between the two teams ended without a result.
Dharamsala Pitch Report
No men's international match has been played at this ground in Dharamshala for over two years. The last international match was during the 2023 World Cup, when New Zealand attempted to chase down Australia's target of 388 runs. The last T20I was played here in February 2022. This ground is known for high-scoring matches, with IPL teams consistently crossing the 180-run mark. However, the pitch initially offers considerable assistance to fast bowlers. If the batsmen can survive the initial phase, the pitch becomes a paradise for them. Dew could play a significant role at this Dharamshala ground in December. Both teams will be looking to bowl first after winning the toss.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
India vs South Africa 3rd T20I Match will be live telecast on Star Sports Network and live streaming of the match will be available on JioHotstar app and website.
