Hardik Pandya Trains Solo at Barabati Stadium, Bowls for 20 Minutes Ahead of India vs South Africa 1st T20I
On Sunday, December 9, the Indian and South African Men's Cricket teams arrived at Bhubaneswar ahead of an upcoming five-match T20 series that begins at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. India comes into the T20 series with the momentum of winning the ODI series against South Africa 2-1.
According to Odisha Cricket Association President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, "Both teams will receive complete security and will be treated to the best possible welcome when they arrive at Hotel Mayfair Bhubaneswar." "Practice sessions will commence on Monday at Barabati Stadium." Mohanty added that he is confident that everything is ready at the stadium and cricket fans will have the opportunity to enjoy the match.
The Barabati Stadium is located in Cuttack, Haryana on Saturday. Hardik Pandya, Indian superstar all-rounder, was seen greeting other fans outside of the stadium. Based on reports from the ground, Hardik Pandya arrived in Cuttack on Saturday evening. He performed an extended warm-up on Sunday, consisting of running and stretching exercises.
🔥 Hardik Pandya is in the house. Excitement loading for 9th December!#hardikpandya #INDvsSA #1st #t20cricket #oca #bcci #odishacricketassociation #barabati #cuttack #barabatiroar #cricket #cricketlovers pic.twitter.com/sXfq07uSBU
— Odisha Cricket Association (@cricket_odisha) December 7, 2025
Although he had some discomfort in his right hip while bowling, Pandya bowled hard for the next two 20 minutes before taking a break. He met a local masseur to relax his lower back and hip before going for batting practice.
India vs South Africa – Squads
India Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar
South Africa Squad:
Aiden Markram (C), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (WK), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs, Lutho Sipamla
IND vs SA: T20I schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | December 9 | Cuttack (Barabati Stadium) |
| 2nd T20I | December 11 | New Chandigarh |
| 3rd T20I | December 14 | Dharamsala |
| 4th T20I | December 17 | Lucknow |
| 5th T20I | December 19 | Ahmedabad |
