Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that top-order batsman Shubman Gill and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are fit for Tuesday’s opening T20 match against South Africa.
Gill, who was sidelined due to a neck injury in the first Test against the Proteas, has been cleared to join the T20 squad for the five-match series.
Pandya is set to return after recovering from a quadriceps injury he sustained in September and has been actively participating in domestic cricket.
“Both are in great shape,” Suryakumar said during a press conference in Cuttack on Monday.
Pandya’s return adds strategic depth to the team, Yadav noted.
“As seen in the Asia Cup, his ability to bowl with the new ball provides us with numerous options for team combinations,” Yadav stated.
“His experience in high-stakes matches is invaluable, offering balance to the team,” he added.
With Gill’s return, wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson faces competition from Jitesh Sharma for a middle-order position.
“Sanju initially batted higher when he joined,” Suryakumar explained.
“However, flexibility is key beyond openers. Sanju excelled as an opener, but Shubman deserved the spot after his performance in the Sri Lanka series.
“We’ve given Sanju chances; he’s adaptable to any batting position. Both Samson and Jitesh are vital assets and provide healthy competition.”
