Hardik Pandya Returns To T20I Squad For IND vs SA

The star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has made his comeback to India’s 15-member T20I squad that is going to take on South Africa in the forthcoming series. The return comes after he recovered from the injury that kept him out of action for over two months since the Asia Cup final on September 28.

Pandya signalled a strong form on his comeback in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he delivered figures of 1 for 52 and smashed an unbeaten 77 off 42 balls for Baroda, batting at No. 4 and opening the bowling.

Gill Included but Subject to Fitness

Shubman Gill, India’s T20I vice-captain, has also been named in the squad despite a neck injury suffered during the first Test in Kolkata. His availability will depend on medical clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). Should Gill miss any matches, Sanju Samson is a likely candidate to open alongside Abhishek Sharma.

Suryakumar Yadav to Lead the Side

With Rohit Sharma still not available in the format, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team for the five-match series starting from December 9. Samson and Jitesh Sharma have been picked as the two wicketkeepers, while Jasprit Bumrah is primed to lead the pace attack along with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy Left Out

Rinku Singh and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy are the two notable omissions of this squad. Rinku, who wasn’t given much chance on the recent Australia tour, played just that one rain-affected T20I and has not had much play since the Asia Cup final. Reddy’s exclusion was widely expected with Hardik Pandya returning to full fitness. Both cricketers are currently playing the ongoing SMAT for their state teams.

Bowling and Allround Options

India’s spin bowling department will be led by Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar offering additional depth. Allrounders Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel provide balance across formats.