INDIA vs SOUTH AFRICA 1ST T20I: Will Sundar be out? The predicted lineup for India in the Cuttack match

The five-match T20I series between India and South Africa will begin on December 9 in Cuttack. The two teams are already at the location and have started their practices. After the Test series victory of South Africa and India's defeat in the ODIs, now the attention has turned to the shortest format of the game.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is looking for an opening victory as well as for the future T20 World Cup 2026 in this very series. With the first game closing in, the matter of India's playing XI decision has become very prominent — one big question is: Is Washington Sundar going to be cut off?

Report of Cuttack Pitch: Will Pace Characterize?

As reported by Times of India, the pitch at Barabati Stadium is said to be of red soil that generally enables fast bowlers to extract better bounce and has also anticipated India’s taking fielding of two primary spinners.

Reasons Why Sundar might be out

Sundar, who has been a part of three spinners in recent games, might get dropped at the T20I series opener. It is believed that the team management will go for the all-rounder Shivam Dube, who can bowl pace, to deepen the batting order and also add a seam option.

Fast-bowling all-rounder Pandya is back after a long injury lay-off and this will also help in India's balance.

Pace Trio Expected to Start

In the fast-bowling department, India might have:

Arshdeep Singh

Jasprit Bumrah

Shivam Dube (backup seamer in case need arises)

Dube may be allowed to play as a batter only depending on the conditions of the match.

On the other hand, spinner Axar Patel is likely to become the victim of team combination needs.

Top Order & Middle Order: What to Expect

India's batting order is given to have a solid look with the combination of talent and aggression:

Openers: Shubman Gill & Abhishek Sharma

No. 3 & 4: Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma

Wicketkeeper: The first chance goes to Sanju Samson

However, if the reports are to be believed, in case of failure in the first one or two games, Jitesh Sharma will be an option.

🇮🇳 Predicted India Playing XI for IND vs SA 1st T20I

Abhishek Sharma

Shubman Gill

Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)

Tilak Varma

Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)

Hardik Pandya

Shivam Dube

Kuldeep Yadav

Varun Chakravarthy

Jasprit Bumrah

Arshdeep Singh

The first T20I with a pace-friendly pitch, the pressure of World Cup preparation, and the form of young players promises an exciting contest.