India and South Africa are set to clash in the decisive 5th T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad today, December 19, 2025, with India leading the series 2-1. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST, following the toss at 6:30 PM IST.
The primary concern for the Indian side revolves around the availability of vice-captain Shubman Gill, who sustained a toe injury during a net session before the fourth T20I. Although Gill traveled with the team to Ahmedabad, his participation remains doubtful. In addition to the injury, Gill has been battling a dip in form, adding to the team management's selection dilemma. If Gill is ruled out, Sanju Samson is a strong contender to replace him in the top order.
Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to the playing XI after missing the previous game due to personal reasons. His inclusion is likely to be at the expense of Harshit Rana, adding experience and control to India's pace attack. The performance of Suryakumar Yadav, despite his leadership, is also a key concern, as he has experienced a dip in batting form and strike rate.
For South Africa, Aiden Markram is expected to open the innings, potentially replacing Reeza Hendricks, who has struggled to find his form throughout the series. The South African team will be aiming to level the series and salvage pride after losing the Test and ODI series.
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is known for its batting-friendly pitch. The flat surface is expected to favor the batters, potentially putting India's Varun Chakravarthy, who has been the team's most effective bowler in the series, to the test. Dew is expected to be a factor, which may influence the captain who wins the toss to bat first. In the most recent T20I at this venue in February 2023, India defeated New Zealand by 168 runs, boosted by a century from Shubman Gill.
This final T20I marks India's last international match of the year. Following this series, India is scheduled to play New Zealand in a three-match ODI series and a five-match T20I series starting January 11. The toss is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST, and the match will commence at 7:00 PM IST. The match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar.
