Hardik Pandya Set for T20I Comeback vs South Africa; Shubman Gill Still Doubtful

Hardik Pandya is on track to return to T20I action when India’s selectors announce the squad for the five-match series against South Africa on Wednesday. However, concerns continue around the fitness of Shubman Gill, India’s T20I vice-captain.

The selection meeting, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, will take place in Raipur, where India face South Africa in the second ODI. One of the primary discussions will be Gill’s availability.

Gill sustained an injury to his neck in the first Test at Kolkata. He retired hurt and took no further part in the match. He was absent in the 2nd Test, which India lost, giving South Africa a 2–0 series win. He has not featured in the ongoing ODI series.

The injury is a pinched nerve. BCCI’s medical staff initially recommended at least five weeks of rest. Gill has since also visited the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to continue with rehabilitation.

In case Gill is not in action, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the two probable partners of Abhishek Sharma at the top in the T20Is. Samson was a part of the T20I squad that toured Australia but played only two matches and once at the number three batting position. Jaiswal was not picked in that tour.

Selectors might also reintroduce Riyan Parag as a mid-order selection to the 15-man squad. Parag last played for India in the T20I series against Bangladesh and is currently leading Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Hardik Pandya’s return has boosted the team management and selectors. He bounced back following the left quadriceps injury that he sustained in Asia Cup in September. He had performed well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as Baroda defeated Punjab on Tuesday.

Hardik impressed with 1 for 52 from four overs and a match-winning 77 not out in what was his first competitive appearance in over two months. He had missed the five-match T20I series in Australia, which India won 2-1 with two washouts.

India’s T20I series against South Africa starts on December 9 in Cuttack, followed by matches in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamsala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17), and Ahmedabad (December 19). The ODI series ends on December 6.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, currently holds the No.1 ranking in T20Is, while South Africa remains fifth.