Cuttack, Dec 8 (NationPress) As India gears up for the T20I series opener against South Africa, captain Suryakumar Yadav has expressed his enthusiasm for Hardik Pandya’s comeback, highlighting that the seam-bowling all-rounder’s vast experience brings essential balance to the team in their preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup.

Pandya, with 120 appearances in T20s for India, returns to the squad after healing from a quadriceps injury he sustained during the Asia Cup in the UAE last September. He has demonstrated impressive form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches for Baroda and was among the first players to hit the nets during India’s practice session at Barabati Stadium on Sunday.

In addition, India is also thrilled to have vice-captain Shubman Gill back, who has recovered from a neck injury incurred during last month’s Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

“Both athletes appear to be in great shape. They have joined the squad. What we saw in the Asia Cup was that Pandya, when he opened the bowling with a new ball, offered numerous options and combinations for our playing eleven,” Suryakumar noted in the pre-match press conference on Monday.

“His contribution is invaluable. He has performed exceptionally in many crucial matches, including ICC and ACC events. His presence will undoubtedly provide a significant balance to our side,” he added.

Gill’s re-entry to open the batting alongside in-form Abhishek Sharma will enhance India’s strategy for the major tournament. Suryakumar elaborated on the transition from having Sanju Samson as an opener to now solidifying Gill’s position in that role.

With Gill’s inclusion, Samson has been positioned to bat either at number five or number three.

“Regarding Sanju, when he first came into the scene, he batted higher up the order. Now, aside from the openers, everyone needs to be adaptable. He has excelled when opening the innings, but Shubman had previously performed well in the Sri Lanka series, thus deserving that role,” Suryakumar stated.

“We provided Sanju ample opportunities – he is prepared to bat at any position, which is encouraging. Every player must be flexible to bat anywhere between three and six. I have communicated to batters, excluding the openers, that they need to be adaptable.”

“Both players are integral to our plans – it’s fantastic to have such talent in the squad. One can open, while the other can bat lower down the order – or both can fill various roles. They are valuable assets for our team and a delightful challenge to manage,” he explained.

Gill concluded by reiterating the Indian team’s perspective: there are no fixed positions for batters in the T20I lineup. “(Shivam) Dube is an all-rounder, just like Hardik, and you can’t equate all-rounders with finishers. All batters from three to seven should be capable of batting at any position. For instance, you might see Tilak Verma batting at six,” he mentioned.

“As observed in Australia, Dubey batted at number three. It varies based on the batter’s entry point. We must maintain flexibility throughout. Before us, we anticipate how the squad will shape up. Overall, this team appears strong and promising. I’m quite satisfied with it.”