India vs South Africa Squad 2025: Rohit, Kohli Return; Surya to Lead T20Is

Cricket fans across India are eagerly waiting as the BCCI prepares to announce India’s squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against South Africa. The white-ball series will feature three ODIs and five T20Is, promising high-voltage action between two of the world’s top teams.

Full Series Schedule

The ODI leg begins on November 30, 2025, in Ranchi, followed by matches in Raipur (Dec 3) and Visakhapatnam (Dec 6). The T20I series starts on December 9 in Cuttack, moving through New Chandigarh (Dec 11), Dharamsala (Dec 14), Lucknow (Dec 17), and concluding with the final match in Ahmedabad (Dec 19).

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Return for ODIs

The ODI squad will be led by the senior duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom made strong comebacks during India’s recent Australia tour.
Rohit smashed a century and a fifty, while Kohli’s composed match-winning innings reaffirmed his place at the top level. Their inclusion will bring both experience and firepower to the lineup.

Hardik Pandya’s Fitness Under Scanner

One of the biggest questions ahead of the announcement is Hardik Pandya’s availability. The star all-rounder missed the Australia tour due to injury. The selectors are expected to assess his fitness before confirming his inclusion, especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup in mind.

Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Return to ODI Setup

With the bowling department needing experience, Jasprit Bumrah could make a return to the ODI squad. Having already featured in the Test series, his workload management will be key as India prepares for back-to-back white-ball assignments.

Suryakumar Yadav to Lead T20I Squad Again

In the T20 format, Suryakumar Yadav will continue as captain. His attacking mindset and calm leadership have impressed both selectors and fans. The upcoming T20I series will be a crucial test before the team composition for the next World Cup is finalized.

Shubman Gill’s Spot Under Review

Questions linger over Shubman Gill’s place in the T20I side after a quiet run with the bat. The selectors must decide whether to give him another opportunity or bring in a new face to strengthen the top order.

Sanju Samson’s Selection Uncertain

Sanju Samson, too, faces scrutiny after an underwhelming performance in Australia. While his wicket-keeping and finishing skills are valued, consistency has been a challenge. His selection will depend on the team balance and upcoming plans for the T20 World Cup.

Team Management’s Focus on Stability

Despite the excitement surrounding the squad announcement, insiders suggest that the BCCI will avoid making major changes. With the World Cup cycle nearing, selectors prefer a settled squad that can continue building chemistry and rhythm across formats.

India vs South Africa: What to Expect

Both teams are expected to field strong line-ups. India will rely on its experienced core, while South Africa, led by its young guns, will aim to challenge India on home soil. The clash promises high-quality cricket and crucial preparation for global tournaments ahead.

Final Thoughts

The India vs South Africa 2025 series is more than just another bilateral contest — it’s a test of team balance, player fitness, and leadership ahead of a crucial year for Indian cricket.
All eyes will be on Rohit, Kohli, Hardik, and Surya as India looks to fine-tune its squad for the fu