Team India's winning run in the T20I format continued against South Africa as they ran out winners by a 3-1 scoreline in the five-match series. The Men in Blue clinched the final encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad by 30 runs.

India has only one T20I series between them and the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will commence on February 7. Suryakumar Yadav and company have plenty of bases covered heading into the tournament and are the undisputed favourites to defend their title. 

The rubber against South Africa gave them aseveraltakeaways to look back upon fondly. On that note, here are three big positives for Team India from their T20I series win against South Africa. 

#3 Hardik Pandya returned from injury with a bang
Hardik Pandya had been out with an injury suffered during the Asia Cup, but he came back with a bang. Upon his injury, the all-rounder seemed to be in sensational form with the bat, and his speeds were up as well.
Hardik was the Player of the Match in the fifth and final T20I for his blistering half-century that took the game away from South Africa. He adds immense balance and power-hitting pedigree to the team in his current form, and his flawless return will go a long way in India, furthering their T20 World Cup push.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah left it late, but he turned up
Jasprit Bumrah seemed slightly off-colour at the start of the series and also missed a couple of games due to personal reasons and heavy fog. However, in the final game of the rubber, the ace spearhead turned up with a stellar display.
Bumrah was at his vintage best in Ahmedabad, generating swing even towards the end of the powerplay. He used slower balls and bouncers to great effect and hit the yorker at a higher rate than he had been doing previously.
Bumrah's sensational spell left South Africa with no answers, and India would be chuffed at the sight of their star bowler coming up with one of his best displays.

#1 Varun Chakaravarthy was deadly through the middle overs
Like Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy is one of the most dependable bowlers in the unit. The ace spinner was once again very tough to deal with, and even in matches where he went for runs, such as the fifth T20I, he managed to pick up a flurry of wickets.
Varun's control through the middle overs shone through. He displayed just how accurate he has become, with several variations and bowling smarts to go with his obvious raw materials. South Africa had several talented spin-hitters in the middle order, but none of them could contend with his magic.