Find out all you need to know about the clash between the sides at Dharamsala
Both teams begin their preparations in earnest for next year's World T20 with three 20-over matches in the space of a week. The fixtures come ahead of a three-Test series between the two nations in October.
While India dominated the multi-format tour of the West Indies, South Africa have not played any competitive international cricket since the 50-over World Cup, when they crashed out in the group stage
FIRST T20: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala (Sunday, September 15)
SECOND T20: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali (Wednesday, September 18)
THIRD T20: M.Chinnaswarmy Stadium, Bangalore (Sunday, September 22)
India were ruthless against the West Indies, with only rain denying them a clean sweep of the Test, ODI and T20 series contested between the two nations.
The Windies offered little resistance in the 20-over matches. They were unable to score more 146 in any single innings and twice failed to reach three figures.
Though a number of leading figures were rested, India cruised to a 3-0 series win. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were in among the runs, debutant Navdeep Saini starred with the ball.
The 26-year-old has retained his place for this series and it will be intriguing to learn how he copes with an improved standard of opponent.
Indeed, South Africa, though themselves going through a transition, are expected to pose a greater challenge to India than the West Indies did last month.
India are the favourites in the first T20 in Dharamsala, with Dafabet offering odds of 1/2 for the hosts to prevail. South Africa are available at 13/8.
Hardik Pandya is the big name who returns to the T20 squad after being rested for the West Indies tour. He replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the only change from the group.
MS Dhoni, whose international future remains unknown, and Jasprit Bumrah will not be part of the series. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal also remain out of the fold.
India squad: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini
With Faf du Plessis sitting out the series, Quinton de Kock will captain The Proteas in the T20s. There are also three new faces in the form of Temba Bavuma, Bjorn Fortuin and Anrich Nortje.
Chris Morris was not considered for selection, with trio Aiden Markram, Theunis de Bruyn and Lungi Ngidi also overlooked as they play for South Africa A ahead of the Test series.
South Africa squad: Quinton de Kock (c), Rassie van der Dussen (vc), Temba Bavuma, Junior Dala, Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts
Persistent rain is expected throughout the day in Dharamsala. Though it should ease come the start of the game the inclement conditions could well bleed into the match and threaten a result.
Star Sports are scheduled to show the series in India, while Supersport will provide coverage from South Africa. No UK broadcaster is confirmed to broadcast matches during the series.
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