India and South Africa are all set to do battle in Durban, which will host the first T20I of the four-match series on Friday, November 8. The encounter will be a repeat of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, which the Men in Blue won by seven runs to break their ICC trophy drought.
That isn't the only storyline behind this game, although it's a prominent one. Both sides are brimming with talent and are going through varying degrees of transition, making for interesting viewing. External subplots like the 2025 Indian Premier League auction are also in play.
India’s squad for 4 T20Is against South Africa: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.
On that note, here are three things to look forward to in the first T20I between India and South Africa.
#3 Can Abhishek Sharma turn his recent form around?
As one of the most exciting young batters in world cricket, Abhishek Sharma generally has all eyes on him in anticipation. Unfortunately, those eyes have been left disappointed in recent times as he hasn't been able to deliver on his immense potential.
Abhishek didn't do much in India's three-match rubber against Bangladesh, and while he got off to a few sizzling starts in the Emerging Asia Cup, it was clear he wasn't at his best. Opening the batting alongside Sanju Samson, the left-hander will need to find a way to handle the pace and bounce of South African conditions.
Durban, as one of the slower wickets in the Rainbow Nation, could play into Abhishek's hands. It'll be interesting to see how he fares in the opening T20I, which could set the tone for the series.
#2 South Africa's power-packed middle order will be in the spotlight once again
Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, and David Miller - those three alone are enough to win a good portion of a team's games. On top of that, South Africa have the likes of Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen.
India will have their task cut out for them in the first T20I. Durban is a high-scoring venue, and South Africa's middle-order batters are as dangerous as they come. All three can take the game away in an instant, and watching them bat is a definite treat.
#1 A repeat of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, but in vastly different circumstances
India's win over South Africa in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup doesn't seem like too long ago. A lot of things have changed since then for both teams, and they are set to rematch in entirely different circumstances.
The Proteas' main men will play together for the first time since their heartbreaking defeat, while the Men in Blue are well and truly embroiled in their build-up to the next edition of the marquee ICC event. Boasting a new-look team, India will want to continue to hold an edge over the hosts.
The fact that the world's two best T20 teams - according to the last T20 World Cup, at least - will lock horns is, in itself, a massive talking point to watch out for.
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news