Cuttack— India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed on Monday that top-order batter Shubman Gill and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are fully fit and available for the opening T20I against South Africa, handing the side a significant boost ahead of the five-match series.
Gill had been sidelined with a neck injury sustained during the opening Test against the Proteas but was included in the T20 squad subject to clearance from the medical team. Pandya, recovering from a quadriceps injury suffered in September, has rebuilt match fitness through domestic cricket.
“Both are looking healthy and fit,” Suryakumar said on the eve of the match, adding that Pandya’s return restores crucial balance to the team.
“What you saw in the Asia Cup — when he was bowling with the new ball — he opened up a lot of options for us. His experience in big games and the composure he brings will be vital,” the India skipper noted.
With Gill returning to the top order, a middle-order contest has emerged between wicketkeeper-batters Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, both vying for a place in the playing XI.
“Sanju did really well when he opened, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series, so he deserves to take that spot,” Suryakumar said. “Other than the openers, everyone has to be flexible. Both Sanju and Jitesh are capable of doing all roles. It’s a good headache for us.”
India and South Africa meet in the series opener on Tuesday, with the visitors aiming to test India’s depth while the hosts look to build momentum ahead of next year’s major tournaments.
