‘Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya completely fit’ – Suryakumar Yadav:India captain explains Rinku’s snub Samson’s role in squad; says, ‘won’t make many changes’

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that both Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya are completely fit and available for selection. He was speaking ahead of the first of five India vs South Africa T20I matches, scheduled to be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on December 9. India entered the T20I series vs South Africa having beaten the Proteas 2-1 in a three-match ODI series. With the T20I World Cup 2026 not very far away, the India vs South Africa T20Is will be crucial for both teams. New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad will host the next four India vs South Africa T20Is on December 11, December 14, December 17 and December 19, respectively.
Hardik, Gill completely fit: Suryakumar Yadav
“Both (Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya) are looking healthy and fit,” Suryakumar said at a press conference ahead of the Cuttack T20I. The 32-year-old Pandya couldn’t play the Asia Cup 2025 final due to injury, but now has regained full fitness and shown excellent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring a half-century while playing for Baroda. Gill is also now completely fit and will be available for the first match. Gill, who was ruled out of the second Test and ODI series against South Africa due to neck stiffness, is now completely healthy.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Suryakumar also added that Pandya’s ability to bowl with the new ball allows the team to field various playing combinations on the field and with him fit, India can play with three or four spinners. “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,” he said.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Also read: ICC in crisis as JioStar exits deal citing heavy losses: No takers for broadcast rights before T20 World Cup 2026 Why Rinku Singh out, Dube in? When questioned about Rinku Singh’s absence from the squad and Shivam Dube getting a chance, Suryakumar explained the team’s flexibility plan. “He is an all-rounder, so he and Hardik are the all-rounders. So you cannot compare an all-rounder with someone who is a finisher. Who? Dube is another one. And the thing is, all the batters from three to seven are capable of batting at any position. So it depends on what the batter’s entry point is. We have to be really flexible during that. And also, in terms of the squad, before us, you already get to know what the squad will look like or not, but yes, more likely, this is what the team and the squad look like. It looks good, looks strong, so I am very happy with it,” the 35-year-old added.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Sanju Samson’s role in Team India’s T20I squad
Regarding Sanju Samson, the captain clarified the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter’s role and said that, except for openers, everyone else needs to be flexible about their batting 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 he played, when he opened the innings but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series. So, he deserved to take that spot. We gave Sanju opportunities. He was ready to bat at any number, which is actually good to see any player being very flexible, batting from 3 to 6 anywhere. So, that is one thing which I have told all the batters.” Also read: Team India fined for slow over rate in Raipur ODI: Players face 10% match fee cut against South Africa despite 2-1 victory T20I World Cup 2026 preparation and strategy
Regarding the T20 World Cup to be held in India in February 2026, Suryakumar said that preparation had begun immediately after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Indian captain, however, stressed that India would not make too many changes with the T20I team’s core. “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.” Red clay pitch in Cuttack for the first T20I match vs South Africa
Red clay pitch will be used for the first time at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Suryakumar said that if the pitch remains fast, it’s a good thing. Dew is also expected to play a role in the match.