IND vs SA 2025: Kris Srikkanth predicts lopsided scoreline for T20I series

Former cricketer and ex-India chief selector Kris Srikkanth has made a bold prediction for the upcoming five-match T20I series between India and South Africa. The 20-over segment of the all-format series is scheduled to commence on December 9.

Srikkanth reminded his viewers how the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel makes him feel that the Men in Blue will dominate South Africa and end up winning the series by a dominating 4-1 margin.

“Lest we forget, Bumrah and Hardik shut South Africa in the T20 World Cup final when Klaasen was going berserk. They were cruising, and these two finished them off in four balls. Axar Patel is also back, so the Indian T20I side is on a different level. India will win 4-1,” stated Srikkanth in a video on his YouTube channel.

While comparing the bowling attacks of both teams, Srikkanth felt the Indians had a much superior unit as opposed to that of the Proteas ahead of the first encounter in Cuttack. He opined the quality of Bumrah will prove to be the biggest difference for this entire assignment.

“The Indian team is too powerful and strong for South Africa. Their bowling is too weak without Rabada. India got 270 [271] losing just one wicket against this bowling today. There is no comparison between the South African and Indian bowling, especially with Bumrah back. They chased 350+ in a one-off match but can they do it once Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are back? Impossible,” he added.

India, who were whitewashed in the Tests, came back stronger in the ODIs to clinch the series with a 2-1 margin. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will be fighting in the format at home for the first time after their victory in the Asia Cup 2025. They last played in the format in an away series against Australia, winning by 2-1.

Vice-captain Shubman Gill and Hardik will make a return to the side after recovering from their respective injuries. Bumrah, who was rested for the ODI leg, will make his way back. The notable omissions from the setup are that of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh.