IND vs SA: India Clinch Series as Varun, Sanju–Hardik Shine; Gambhir 'Unhappy' With Surya’s Form

National, Dec 20, 2025: The memories of the 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat at this venue still linger, and Indian cricket fans will hope to heal that pain by lifting the T20 World Cup trophy at the same ground three months from now. At present, every match and every innings of Team India is being closely evaluated as part of preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup.

Which combinations are working? Which issues remain unresolved? These questions are being debated by the team’s think-tank.

India’s victory in the final match in Ahmedabad on Dec 19, sealed a 3–1 series win over South Africa and added another feather to the team’s cap. More importantly, the blueprint for the T20 World Cup is now close to completion. Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson strengthened their claims, while Varun Chakravarthy’s spin proved decisive, as South Africa went down by 30 runs. Varun's performance underlined his importance to India’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Even though India clinched the five-match T20 series 3–1, concerns over Suryakumar Yadav’s form remain unresolved; all questions have not yet been answered despite the series triumph.

India’s Batting Sets the Tone

Before this match, India were leading the series 2–1, so there was no risk of losing the series. In the final T20I against South Africa, India batted first after losing the toss.

Sanju Samson finally got his chance after Shubman Gill was ruled out due to injury. India got off to a strong start with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Abhishek scored 34 runs off 21 balls before getting out. Sanju was bowled by George Linde after scoring 37 runs off 22 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes, a knock that silenced his critics.

Tilak Verma continued his excellent form, scoring 73 runs off 42 balls, which came as a big relief for India ahead of the T20 World Cup. Then came Hardik Pandya’s explosive innings. He began with a six and scored 31 runs off his first seven balls. Hardik smashed 27 runs in one over from Linde and reached his half-century in just 16 balls. He was dismissed in the final over after scoring 63 runs off 25 balls. These knocks led India to set a target of 232 for the visitors.

Varun and Bumrah Seal the Win

South Africa began their chase well. Quinton de Kock played aggressively and hit 23 runs in one over off Arshdeep Singh, raising hopes of a close contest.

However, Varun Chakravarthy provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Reeza Hendricks. De Kock continued his attack but was eventually dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah, who caught him off his own bowling. De Kock scored 65 runs off 35 balls.

After that, South Africa lost momentum. Varun trapped Aiden Markram, and Donovan Ferreira was out on the very next ball. Varun finished with 4 wickets for 53 runs, while Bumrah picked up 2 wickets. Hardik Pandya also dismissed Dewald Brevis at a crucial stage.

South Africa ended their innings at 201 for 8, losing the match by 30 runs; Varun was adjudged Player of the Series and Hardik Pandya, Player of the Match.

Surya’s Form Still a Concern

Despite a convincing win, India’s concern remains Suryakumar Yadav’s form. The captain once again failed to score big and was dismissed for 5 runs. His poor run continues, and his return to form remains a serious question for the team.