India’s Probable XI for 2nd T20I vs South Africa in Mullanpur: Sanju Samson Likely IN, Shubman Gill Under Pressure
India may introduce Sanju Samson in the 2nd T20I against South Africa as Shubman Gill faces pressure after a poor outing, with key changes expected in Mullanpur.
India’s probable XI for the 2nd T20I vs South Africa with Sanju Samson likely to return.
Team India will look to extend their lead in the five-match T20I series when they take on South Africa in the second match on Thursday (December 11) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. After a commanding 101-run victory in Cuttack, the T20 world champions head into the contest with strong momentum — but selection questions remain.
India’s Dominant Start in Cuttack
Hardik Pandya's remarkable return to form was a major factor in India's decisive victory. On a tough wicket, Pandya displayed his ability to finish off with an impressive 59 not out in 28 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes to take India from 137/6 to 175/6..
Despite a modest total, India’s bowling attack delivered a ruthless performance. Arshdeep Singh set the tone early by removing Quinton de Kock for a two-ball duck. India’s bowlers then dismantled South Africa for just 74, their lowest-ever T20I score.
Axar Patel, Arshdeep, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy picked up two wickets each, while Shivam Dube and Hardik chipped in with one apiece as India went 1-0 up.
Will India Change a Winning Combination?
Traditionally, teams avoid altering a successful XI — but a few selection dilemmas remain:
Kuldeep Yadav’s Exclusion
Despite taking four wickets in his previous T20I (Asia Cup final), Kuldeep Yadav was benched in Cuttack. With India’s spinners performing exceptionally well, the left-arm wrist-spinner is unlikely to return for the second match.
Spotlight on Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, the neck injury victim, was back in action, playing the first T20I but unfortunately getting out without scoring after just two balls. Gill's return to the squad has definitely spelled disaster for Sanju Samson who had to be left out and now it's all on Gill to demonstrate that he is worth the gamble, especially considering Samson's great performances as an opener alongside the earlier this year.
Sanju Samson’s Chances
Samson’s selection hinges on how wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma performs. Jitesh has now played four consecutive matches ahead of Samson, but a dip in form could reopen the door for the Kerala captain.
India’s Probable XI for 2nd T20I vs South Africa
Abhishek Sharma
Shubman Gill
Suryakumar Yadav (C)
Rinku Singh
Hardik Pandya
Shivam Dube
Jitesh Sharma (WK)
Axar Patel
Jasprit Bumrah
Arshdeep Singh
Varun Chakaravarthy
India are expected to back the same combination, with Gill getting another opportunity at the top and Samson waiting in the wings for a potential opening.
