Overview
- South Africa leveled the series 1-1 with a 51-run win in Mullanpur, riding Quinton de Kock’s 90 to 213/4 before bowling India out for 162 despite Tilak Varma’s 62.
- India’s decision to send Axar Patel at No. 3 was defended by Suryakumar Yadav as a form-based call, while Dale Steyn and Robin Uthappa criticized the move and urged a settled top order.
- Bowling discipline faltered as Arshdeep Singh delivered a 13-ball over with seven wides, part of a wasteful night that included 16 wides and costly death overs.
- Team management publicly backed captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill to find form, even as their 2025 T20I returns remain modest by their standards.
- PTI reports Gill will get a short three-match window to press his case, with the next game in Dharamsala framed as part of India’s quick audition period before the 2026 tournament.