Suryakumar Yadav On IND vs SA T20I: Before the start of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav welcomed Hardik Pandya in the T20I setup, stating that the all-rounder’s experience will bring a good balance to the team, especially for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Pandya has played a total of 120 games in the T20I format and is back to the shortest format after he sustained an injury during the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE.
Pandya has already shown his form for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was among the players who showed up first in nets in India’s practice session at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday.
Suryakumar Yadav On IND vs SA T20I
Apart from Pandya, India will also be witnessing the comeback of their T20I vice captain, Shubman Gill, who went through a neck injury during the two-match test series against South Africa at the Eden Gardens.
Suryakumar Yadav, in the pre-match press conference, said,
“Both of them look healthy and fit. They have come along with the team. What you saw in the Asia Cup also was when he opened the bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options and combinations for us with respect to the playing XI.”
“So that’s what he brings to the table, and his experience is invaluable. He has done well in a lot of good games, big games, and ICC and ACC events also. So that experience counts for a lot, and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the side.”
Shubman Gill Comeback In T20I
Shubman Gill’s return to the team will be giving some competition to the opposition teams with the opening of the in-form Abhishek Sharma. The Indian captain also explained about how the Indian team shifted from having Sanju Samson as the opener to now giving that slot to Shubman Gill.
Since Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the shortest format, Samson has been in the middle order.
Suryakumar Yadav said,
“In terms of Sanju, when he came on the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now the thing is, other than the openers, everyone has to be very flexible. He did really well when he opened the innings, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series, and so he deserved to take the spot.
“But we gave Sanju enough opportunities—he’s ready to bat at any number, which is good to see—any player who’s ready and flexible to bat anywhere from three to six. I have told batters other than the openers that you have to be flexible to bat.”
“So, both are in the scheme of things—it’s lovely to have players like them be a part of the squad. One can open, the other can bat lower down the order—or even both can do all the roles. So they are a good asset for our team and a good headache to have.”
“Shivam Dube is an all-rounder, as is Hardik, and you can’t compare all-rounders with finishers. The thing is, all the batters from 3 to 7 are capable of batting at any position. For example, you might see Tilak Varma batting at six.”
“As you saw in Australia, Dube went in to bat at number three. It depends on the entry point of the batter. We have to be really flexible during that. Before us, you get to know how the squad will be. More likely, this is what the team and the squad look like. It looks good. It looks strong. So, I am very happy with it.”
The first T20I between India and South Africa will be played on December 9 at the Barabati Stadium.
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