Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that both Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya have regained full fitness ahead of the T20I series against South Africa. The Men in Blue are set to take on the Proteas in a five-match contest, beginning with the opening game in Cuttack on December 9.
Hardik had picked up a quadriceps injury during the clash against Sri Lanka prior to the 2025 Asia Cup final and was ruled out of the summit showdown against Pakistan. The star all-rounder also skipped the subsequent white-ball tour of Australia but eventually made his return in the ongoing 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
On the other hand, Shubman Gill sustained a neck injury during the recent home Test series against South Africa. The setback occurred in the opening match in Kolkata, which forced him to miss the remainder of the series, including the second Test.
Gill was also absent from the recently finished ODI series versus South Africa, which India clinched 2-1. Speaking about the fitness status of Hardik and Gill on the eve of the first T20I, Suryakumar said during the press conference (via RevSportz):
“Right now, both of them look healthy and fit. They are in the team.”
Gill and Hardik are highly likely to be included in the playing XI, with Gill expected to open the innings and Hardik set to take his place in the lower middle order.
“His presence brings balance to the team” — Suryakumar Yadav on Hardik Pandya
Suryakumar Yadav feels that Hardik Pandya’s return will significantly strengthen the Indian team, crediting his big-match temperament and the balance he brings to the lineup. The 32-year-old was instrumental in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies and USA, and delivered a match-winning performance in the final against South Africa by claiming three key wickets.
“That’s what (balance) he (Hardik) brings to the table. His experience, the way he has done really well in all the matches, all good games also, all bigger games, ICC events, all ACC events. I think that experience will count a lot. His presence will definitely give a good balance to the side,” said Suryakumar Yadav (via the aforementioned source).
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