On the eve of the start of the India–South Africa T20I series, captain Suryakumar Yadav has delivered an encouraging news on the fitness of two star players, Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya. The duo has been under close medical supervision over the last week, but Suryakumar confirmed that both are set and ready for action in Cuttack on December 9.
Gill suffered a neck spasm during the first Test in Kolkata and has not played any competitive cricket since. Hardik, meanwhile, has been recovering from a quad injury sustained during the Asia Cup in September. Their return comes as a huge boost, especially with only ten T20Is left before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
Gill cleared, Hardik ready after domestic return
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Surya said India’s injury concerns have eased significantly. “Both [Gill and Pandya] are looking healthy and fit,” he confirmed.
Gill’s selection had carried an asterisk following uncertainty around his recovery, but head coach Gautam Gambhir already confirmed earlier that the opener had passed Return to Play tests and was ready to rejoin the squad. Gill has now now linked up with the team in Cuttack and is expected to feature in the XI.
Hardik, who missed the entire ODIs against South Africa, returned to action in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, bowling four overs in both matches for Baroda and smashing an unbeaten 77 off 42 balls against Punjab. Despite Shivam Dube performing his role aptly at the Asia Cup final, Pandya is irreplaceable. His bowling has been better than his batting recently but his pace-hitting is second to none.
“When he was bowling with the new ball in the Asia Cup, he opened up a lot of options and combinations for us. His experience in big games and ICC events will count a lot. His presence definitely gives a good balance to the side,” SKY said on Pandya’s importance.
The first match of the five-match series will be held at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on December 9, followed by games in Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.
