South Africa’s long tour of India moves west for its final act, with the fifth T20I set to be played at the world’s largest cricket stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on Friday. After the abandoned game in Lucknow, India lead the series 2–1 and have the chance to clinch it 3–1, while the visitors can at best draw level. Either way, this final match offers both sides a valuable opportunity to settle lingering questions with the T20 World Cup less than 50 days away.
Sanju Samson to get a chance?
India’s selection would be in focus once again. Shubman Gill remains doubtful after suffering a toe injury during practice ahead of the Lucknow game. If he does miss out, the door opens for Sanju Samson, whose absence from the XI over the last few games has been a talking point.
Samson’s T20I record makes a strong case for his return at the top. All three of his T20I centuries have come as an opener, and his best run in the format came when he was given clarity at the top of the order. He formed a terrific opening pair with Abhishek Sharma, and the duo was touted to be a consistent fixture at the top until the BCCI and the management slotted in Gill. The move was unfortunate for Samson, who was forced to bat out of position before getting benched altogether.
India’s opening combination has lacked fluency since Gill’s return. While Abhishek Sharma has continued his strong run, Gill has struggled to find rhythm, and the partnership has failed to click. Since being reinstated as opener and vice-captain in 2025, Gill has failed to register a single half-century in 15 innings. His average sits below 25, with a strike rate that hasn’t touched 140.
Jasprit Bumrah is back
Jasprit Bumrah’s return is another key development. The pace spearhead missed the third T20I due to personal reasons but has rejoined the squad and is likely to feature in his home ground. His presence not only strengthens India’s bowling attack, as Bumrah is the best of his generation. However, it would be tricky for India whom to drop. Both Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana did well in the previous game. But we feel it could be Arshdeep to make way for Bumrah, as the left-arm pacer has played all the games so far unlike Harshit, who impressed in his only T20I this series.
South Africa, meanwhile, are still searching for answers. Their struggles at the top have been a recurring theme, and despite experimenting with multiple combinations, the issues in the power play remain unresolved. Ahmedabad is expected to offer better batting conditions than the fog-hit venues in north India. Recent domestic T20 matches here have produced high scores, with some early movement for pacers and dew likely later in the evening.
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Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah under scanner as India seek 3-1 in Ahmedabad
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