Is Hardik Pandya Making a Comeback for the SA T20I? Will Gill Play?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The BCCI has unveiled India's T20I squad for the series against South Africa, highlighting the anticipated returns of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya from injuries. With Gill's fitness still in question, the cricketing world is eager to see how this impacts the team's dynamics and strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya are returning from injuries.
- Gill's participation is dependent on fitness clearance.
- The T20I series starts on December 9 in Cuttack.
- Suryakumar Yadav continues as captain.
- Notable changes in squad include the omission of Rinki Singh.
Mumbai, Dec 3 (NationPress) The senior men's selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s squad for the forthcoming T20I series against South Africa. Both ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are poised to return from their injuries, although Gill's participation hinges on fitness clearance from the BCCI CoE (Centre of Excellence).
Gill suffered a neck injury during the initial Test between these two teams in Kolkata, which led to his exclusion from the red-ball matches as well as the ODI series.
On the other hand, Pandya has been sidelined since sustaining an injury during India’s Asia Cup Super Fours match against Sri Lanka.
The fifth T20I, scheduled for December 19, will conclude South Africa’s tour of India, which began on November 14 with a two-match Test series followed by the ongoing ODI series.
Regular captain Suryakumar Yadav will persist in leading the team, with Gill acting as his deputy. Most of the T20I squad remains consistent with the team that went to Australia for India’s last T20I series, although Rinki Singh, who had limited opportunities on the previous tour, has been omitted.
The T20I series will kick off on December 9 in Cuttack, followed by the second match in New Chandigarh on December 11. Notably, the second T20I will introduce two new stands named in honor of India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.
The third T20I will take place at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, while the fourth match is set for the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The series will wrap up at the world’s largest cricket ground - the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The Indian team is currently engaged in a three-match ODI series against the Proteas, leading 1-0.
India’s squad for the T20I series against South Africa: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC)*, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar
Point of View
The return of key players like Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill is crucial for India’s strategy against South Africa. The anticipation surrounding their fitness adds an intriguing layer to the series. Our commitment remains to provide accurate and timely updates reflecting the nation's interest.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Indian cricket team for the T20I series against South Africa?
The Indian cricket team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav for the T20I series against South Africa.
Is Shubman Gill's participation guaranteed for the T20I series?
No, Shubman Gill's participation is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI CoE.
When does the T20I series against South Africa begin?
The T20I series against South Africa will commence on December 9 in Cuttack.
What injury did Hardik Pandya sustain?
Hardik Pandya picked up an injury during India's Asia Cup Super Fours match against Sri Lanka.
Where will the final T20I match be held?
The final T20I match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
