New Delhi: India will officially begin the preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 with the five-match series against South Africa, starting in Cuttack on December 09, Tuesday. The return of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya will headline the 20-over series, which marks the commencement of India’s march towards the home T20 World Cup, beginning on February 7.

India wll play 10 T20Is (5 each against South Africa and New Zealand) in the run-up to the mega-event, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Defending champions India will open their campaign against the United States on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium.

While India will look to continue their unbeaten run in the T20I series since the 2023 ODI World Cup, winning seven and drawing one, the team management’s one eye will be on

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