Suryakumar confirms India duo fit for South Africa T20Is

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that both Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill are in readiness to make a comeback for India in the South Africa T20I series after their bouts with injuries.

Gill had sustained a neck injury in the first Test against South Africa last month, while Pandya had been out of the team owing to a left quadricep injury he picked up during the Asia Cup 2025.

"Both [Gill and Pandya] are looking healthy and fit,” said Suryakumar in the pre-match presser ahead of the first T20I in Cuttack.

The Indian skipper also highlighted Pandya's importance to the balance of the side, particularly with the ball.

"What you saw in the Asia Cup also, when he [Hardik] was bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options, combinations for us with respect to the playing XI.

"That's what he brings to the table. His experience, the way he has done well in all big games, all ICC events, ACC events. I think that experience will count a lot and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the side."

Suryakumar also opened up on the flexibility expected from the middle order and Sanju Samson’s role in the side. However, he emphasized that the team will not tinker much with the core structure that has served them well in recent times as they set their sights on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup next year.

"Combinations, ideally, in the last five, six series, which we've played, we've tried and played with a similar combination. We've not changed too much.

"We don't want to change a lot, even going into the next two series also. The only thing is what type of cricket we want to play. That is one thing which we always want to try and do when we take the field.

"Rest, we don't want to change anything what's happening. I think touchwood, everything is going well. So we wanted to continue the same way. We don't want to change anything."

India have enjoyed an excellent run in the shortest format of the game recently, defeating Australia 2-1 in their own yard after clinching the Asia Cup.

Discussing Sanju Samson’s place in the side and the competition with fellow wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, Suryakumar acknowledged the value of adaptability in the middle order.

"In terms of Sanju, yes, when he came into the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now the thing is, other than the openers, I feel everyone has to be very flexible.

"He did really well before when he opened the innings, but Shubman [Gill] had played before him in the Sri Lanka series and so he deserved to take that spot.

"We gave Sanju opportunities. He was ready to bat at any number, which actually is good to see any player being very flexible, batting from 3 to 6 anywhere."

The first of the five T20Is kicks off tomorrow in Cuttack. The series will serve as vital preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, beginning February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Hosts and defending champions India are slotted in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Namibia and Netherlands.

Meanwhile, the runner-ups from the previous edition, South Africa are placed in Group D with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada and UAE.