IND vs SA 5th T20I: Sanju Samson back into playing XI as Shubman Gill misses out

South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bowl first in the fifth and final T20I against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 19.

Markram said the wicket looks good for batting and pointed out that South Africa will play several matches at the venue during the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. He added that the visitors are eager to level the series and finish the tour on a positive note. They have made one change to their playing XI, bringing in George Linde in place of Anrich Nortje.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the hosts were happy to bat first as well and do not expect dew to have much impact during the match. India made a few changes to their side, with Jasprit Bumrah returning in place of Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar coming in for Kuldeep Yadav, and Sanju Samson replacing Shubman Gill, who has been ruled out due to a niggle.

More from First Cricket

India vs South Africa LIVE Score 5th T20 at Ahmedabad: Samson back in Indian XI as Proteas opt to field in Ahmedabad Sourav Ganguly files police complaint, sends legal notice after being dragged into Messi visit controversy

India vs South Africa 5th T20I: Playing XIs

India’s playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

South Africa’s playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman