Unlocking the IND vs SA 2nd T20I Dream11 Team Prediction
The five-match T20 International series between the T20 World Cup finalists, India and South Africa, moves to a fascinating new battleground: the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. After a dominant 101-run victory in the series opener, India is flying high, powered by the spectacular return of all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Conversely, South Africa is wounded, having been bundled out for their lowest-ever T20I total, and they arrive desperate for a win to level the score.
This setting—a maiden men’s international match at a venue known for varied results, compounded by the December chill, hazy conditions, and the ominous threat of dew—makes building the perfect fantasy lineup a complex challenge.
For every serious fantasy manager, the focus is squarely on the Ind vs SA 2nd T20i Dream11 Team. This match is not just a crucial fixture in the series; it is a critical test of adaptation for both squads ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, and a pivotal moment for players like the struggling captain, Suryakumar Yadav, who is due for a big score.
🏟️ Venue Analysis: Mullanpur’s Maiden International Bow
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, is the X-factor in this second T20I. Its short history, primarily hosting IPL matches, has yielded varied results, suggesting a balanced but unpredictable surface.
Pitch Report: The Hazy Horizon
The pitch is expected to offer a balanced battle between bat and ball. While the quick outfield is favorable for batters to strike freely early on, the surface is known to assist spinners as the match progresses, especially in the latter half. IPL fixtures here have shown both 200-plus totals and low-scoring affairs, meaning fantasy managers must anticipate a score in the range of 160 to 180 in the first innings.
- Pace vs. Spin: Historically, Mullanpur has seen a distribution of 58% pace wickets and 42% spin wickets in T20s, indicating that both fast bowlers and quality spinners have a significant role.
- Weather and Dew Factor: The December air will bring fog and likely dew, particularly in the second innings. This makes gripping the ball difficult for bowlers, especially spinners, and gives a distinct advantage to the chasing team. Though four of the six IPL matches here were won by the team batting first, the dew factor in a night T20I might shift the advantage to the chasers. The toss winner is expected to bowl first.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| Match | India vs South Africa, 2nd T20I |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh |
| Date & Time | Thursday, December 11, 2025, 7:00 PM IST |
| Toss Prediction | Bowl First (Due to dew and chasing advantage) |
🌟 Team News & Player Form Analysis
India clinched a dominant 101-run victory in the series opener, largely thanks to a scintillating knock by Hardik Pandya. South Africa’s batting order collapsed to their lowest T20I total, making their response in this game crucial.
India (IND) Team Preview
India’s batting depth, extending to No. 8, provides immense confidence. They are likely to stick with their winning XI, with no reported injuries.
The Hardik Pandya Factor: A Quest for History
Hardik Pandya’s return to international cricket after a 74-day lay-off was explosive, smashing an unbeaten 59 runs off just 28 balls and taking one wicket for 16 runs in two overs in the first T20I.
- Milestone Watch: Hardik Pandya needs just one more wicket to become the third India Men’s bowler to pick 100 T20I wickets.
- All-Round Record: If he achieves this, he will become the first seamer to complete the double of 1000+ runs and 100+ wickets in Men’s T20Is. This unparalleled form makes him a mandatory inclusion and the top C/VC pick for your Ind vs SA 2nd T20i Dream11 Team.
The Suryakumar Yadav Concern
Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy has been excellent, but his batting form has been a major concern, having averaged 15.07 in 16 T20Is this year. He has not scored a half-century since October 2024 and registered another low score in the opener. Despite this slump, the team management is backing him, and he remains a potential high-scorer due for a comeback, especially on what could be a better batting surface.
Key Indian Fantasy Picks
- Abhishek Sharma: In red-hot T20 form, scoring 310 runs in his last 5 matches. His aggressive approach is perfect for the Powerplay.
- Jasprit Bumrah: With an economy rate of 4.00 in T20s, he chokes the opposition while taking wickets—a world-class, must-have bowler.
- Arshdeep Singh: A specialist death bowler who started the series by taking the key wicket of Quinton de Kock.
South Africa (SA) Team Preview
South Africa’s batting looked clueless in the series opener, with most of their key batters failing. However, better batting conditions in Mullanpur demand a strong response. They are expected to retain their combination to allow players time to adjust to Indian conditions.
The South African Hope
- Lungi Ngidi: The only positive for the visitors in the opener, taking 3 wickets with pace and accuracy, making him a quality fantasy pick regardless of the team’s struggles.
- Marco Jansen: A high-value all-rounder who has been in good form on this tour and will need to contribute with both his left-arm pace and big hitting.
- Quinton de Kock: The experienced wicket-keeper batter is crucial for getting the team off to a good start in the Powerplay. A failure in the first match makes him due for a big score.
Probable Playing XIs
| India (IND) | South Africa (SA) |
| Abhishek Sharma | Quinton de Kock (WK) |
| Shubman Gill | Aiden Markram (C) |
| Suryakumar Yadav (C) | Tristan Stubbs |
| Tilak Varma | Dewald Brevis |
| Hardik Pandya (VC) | David Miller |
| Shivam Dube | Donovan Ferreira |
| Jitesh Sharma (WK) | Marco Jansen |
| Axar Patel | Corbin Bosch |
| Arshdeep Singh | Keshav Maharaj |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Anrich Nortje |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Lungi Ngidi |
💰 Ind vs SA 2nd T20i Dream11 Team: Expert Fantasy Picks
To build the perfect Ind vs SA 2nd T20i Dream11 Team, you must prioritize all-rounders and the top bowlers, given the pitch’s balanced nature and the threat of dew in the second innings.
Mandatory Must-Haves (The Core)
These players should feature in almost all your teams due to their high consistency and multi-point potential.
- Hardik Pandya (IND): The premier choice for C/VC. Scored 59* and took 1 wicket in the last game.
- Jasprit Bumrah (IND): World-class bowler with a phenomenal T20 economy.
- Abhishek Sharma (IND): In blistering form with a high strike rate at the top of the order.
- Lungi Ngidi (SA): The only SA bowler to impress in the opener with 3 wickets.
- Marco Jansen (SA): All-round value (left-arm pace + lower-order hitting).
Top Captain and Vice-Captain Choices
The dual-role players are the safest and highest-yielding options for the C/VC slots.
| Rank | Player | C/VC Rationale |
| 1 (Best) | Hardik Pandya (IND) | All-round ability (batting, bowling, fielding) provides dual point opportunities. On the verge of a historic milestone. |
| 2 (Safe) | Abhishek Sharma (IND) | High recent form (310 runs in 5 games) makes him a reliable scorer at the top. |
| 3 (Differential) | Suryakumar Yadav (IND) | A risky but potentially rewarding pick. Due for a big score and is a Mullanpur specialist (in IPL context). |
| 4 (South Africa Pick) | Aiden Markram (SA) | Captain of the side and a key middle-order batter who can bowl spin. Must perform if SA is to compete. |
🏆 Dream11 Team Suggestions for IND vs SA 2nd T20I
Here are two balanced team combinations—one for low-risk contests and one for high-reward Grand League (GL) contests.
Dream11 Team 1: Small League / Head-to-Head (Safe Team)
This team prioritizes in-form players and the most reliable point-scorers, minimizing risk.
| Position | Player Name | Team | Rationale |
| Wicket-Keeper | Quinton de Kock | SA | Top-order batter, due for a comeback, and essential for SA’s total. |
| Batters (3) | Abhishek Sharma (VC) | IND | Red-hot form (310 runs in 5 games). |
| Shubman Gill | IND | Will be keen to find form at a familiar venue. | |
| Dewald Brevis | SA | Top-scored for SA in the opener (22) and has a high strike rate. | |
| All-Rounders (3) | Hardik Pandya (C) | IND | The ultimate C/VC choice; best all-round form. |
| Axar Patel | IND | Economical bowling and handy lower-order hitting. | |
| Marco Jansen | SA | Wicket-taking potential and a reliable bat. | |
| Bowlers (4) | Jasprit Bumrah | IND | The best bowler in the world; high-impact pick. |
| Arshdeep Singh | IND | Death-over specialist and Powerplay wicket-taker. | |
| Lungi Ngidi | SA | Star performer in the first match with 3 wickets. | |
| Kuldeep Yadav | IND | Wrist-spinner is a huge asset in the middle overs. | |
| Captain: Hardik Pandya | Vice-Captain: Abhishek Sharma |
Dream11 Team 2: Grand League (High-Risk/Reward Team)
This team takes calculated risks on players due for a big score or low-ownership picks that can skyrocket your rank.
| Position | Player Name | Team | Rationale |
| Wicket-Keeper | Jitesh Sharma | IND | Preferred over Samson; can contribute quick runs at the death. |
| Batters (4) | Suryakumar Yadav (C) | IND | The high-risk Captaincy pick due for a mammoth innings. |
| Shubman Gill | IND | Banking on his talent to shine at the top. | |
| Tilak Varma (VC) | IND | Consistent middle-order anchor; good vice-captain choice. | |
| David Miller | SA | Finisher who will look to correct the previous match’s poor showing. | |
| All-Rounders (2) | Hardik Pandya | IND | Retained for his immense value, but C/VC given to a differential. |
| Corbin Bosch | SA | Low-ownership all-rounder who can strike with bat and ball. | |
| Bowlers (4) | Jasprit Bumrah | IND | Non-negotiable quality. |
| Arshdeep Singh | IND | High-risk, high-reward bowler. | |
| Anrich Nortje | SA | Pure pace threat returning to form; differential pace pick. | |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | IND | Mystery spin can trouble the SA middle-order. | |
| Captain: Suryakumar Yadav | Vice-Captain: Tilak Varma |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the IND vs SA 2nd T20i match schedule and venue?
A: The 2nd T20I between India and South Africa is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM IST. It will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
Q2: Will the dew factor impact the IND vs SA 2nd T20i Dream11 Team strategy?
A: Yes, the presence of dew and fog is highly likely, especially in the second innings. The dew makes gripping the ball difficult for bowlers, particularly spinners. Therefore, the team winning the toss is expected to bowl first, and chasing will be advantageous. Prioritize top-order batters from the team batting second and fast bowlers who can adapt to the wet conditions.
Q3: Is Suryakumar Yadav a good fantasy pick despite his poor form?
A: Suryakumar Yadav’s batting form has been poor this year, averaging just 15.07 in 16 T20Is. However, he is a world-class player and is due for a big score. He is a high-risk, high-reward pick—essential for Grand League teams where high upside is needed, but perhaps a riskier choice for Small Leagues.
Q4: Who is close to achieving a major T20I milestone in this match?
A: Hardik Pandya needs just one more wicket to reach 100 T20I wickets, a feat that would make him the first pace bowling all-rounder in Men’s T20I history to achieve the double of 1000+ runs and 100+ wickets.
Q5: Which South African players are the best fantasy picks for the 2nd T20I?
A: Despite their loss, Lungi Ngidi (3 wickets in the opener) is a strong bowling pick. Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram are essential top-order batters who are relied upon for a big contribution to stabilize the team. Marco Jansen offers crucial all-round value.
✅ Conclusion: Final Verdict on Your IND vs SA 2nd T20i Dream11 Team
The 2nd T20I in Mullanpur is a clash between India’s momentum and South Africa’s desperation. The key to mastering your Ind vs SA 2nd T20i Dream11 Team lies in embracing the all-rounders and the conditions.
The all-round brilliance of Hardik Pandya makes him the undeniable Captaincy choice, while the red-hot form of opener Abhishek Sharma offers a strong Vice-Captaincy alternative. Given the unpredictable nature of the Mullanpur pitch and the threat of dew, a balance favoring All-Rounders (3-4) and Premium Bowlers (3-4) is the ideal strategy.
While South Africa will certainly put up a fight, backed by Lungi Ngidi’s pace and the batting strength of de Kock and Markram, the collective form and confidence of the Indian unit, especially post their dominating win, gives them a distinct advantage.
Final Prediction: India are the favorites to win the 2nd T20I and take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
