IND vs SA 1st T20: Barabati Pitch Favors Batsmen; Expect a Run-Fest

• India vs South Africa T20 series begins December 9 in Cuttack.
• Barabati Stadium pitch is red soil, expected to be batting-friendly with good bounce, favoring high scores.
• Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah return for India, strengthening the squad.
• India leads South Africa 18-12 in 31 T20Is; in Cuttack, teams chasing have won 2 of 3 matches.
• Clear weather is expected; the toss-winning team may choose to bowl first due to potential dew.

Why It Matters: Expect high scores and key player returns in the crucial IND vs SA T20 series for T20 World Cup.