IND vs SA Predicted XI: Will Sanju Samson Open in Ahmedabad as Gill Faces Injury Scare?

India may finally be set to experiment at the top of the order in the fifth and final T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad, with Sanju Samson emerging as a strong contender to open the innings in the absence of Shubman Gill. The series-deciding flexibility, combined with Gill’s fitness concerns, could open the door for a long-awaited opportunity for the wicketkeeper-batter.

Shubman Gill, India’s vice-captain, picked up a foot injury earlier in the series and remains doubtful for the Ahmedabad clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium. While the team management has not officially ruled him out, indications suggest India may choose not to risk him with bigger assignments ahead. That scenario brings Samson firmly back into contention.

Samson was widely expected to feature in the fourth T20I in Lucknow, where he was tipped to replace Gill and open the innings. However, persistent fog and poor visibility led to the match being abandoned without a ball being bowled, extending Samson’s wait and denying him a potential comeback. The Ahmedabad fixture could finally offer him that chance.

With India already having secured the series, the management has the luxury to test combinations. Samson’s credentials as an opener in T20 cricket are well established, especially given his success in domestic leagues and the IPL. Slotting him alongside Abhishek Sharma would allow India to retain an aggressive powerplay approach while maintaining balance in the batting order.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected to continue at number three despite a modest run in the series. The Indian skipper has backed himself to find rhythm, and the final T20I provides an opportunity to do so before future bilateral assignments. Tilak Varma has cemented his role at number four with consistent performances, offering stability through the middle overs.

The middle order is likely to remain unchanged, with Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya and Jitesh Sharma providing power-hitting depth. Jitesh is expected to continue behind the stumps if Samson plays purely as a specialist batter.

On the bowling front, India may once again rotate resources. Jasprit Bumrah’s availability remains uncertain, having missed the third T20I and not being tested in Lucknow due to the washout. With workload management in mind, the team could persist with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana as the frontline pacers.

Spin duties are expected to be handled by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, who have offered control and wicket-taking options throughout the series. The Ahmedabad pitch, traditionally conducive to both batting and spin later in the innings, could suit the duo well.

For Sanju Samson, the final T20I is more than a one-off opportunity. A chance to open could help him stake a stronger claim as India look ahead to future white-ball tours and the T20 World Cup 2026. With competition intensifying for top-order spots, Ahmedabad could prove decisive in shaping India’s plans.

IND vs SA 5th T20I – Predicted India XI

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana