India announce T20I squad for five-match series vs South Africa:Shubman and Hardik’s comeback; BCCI also launch T20 World Cup jersey

BCCI has announced the squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, set to kick off on 9 December, 2025. As per the squad announcement, Suryakumar Yadav will captain the side while Shubman Gill is set to be the vice-captain of the team. However, his playing status depends on the fact whether he will be given light from the Centre of Excellence for his fitness. Notably, the Indian Test skipper suffered a neck injury in the first Test vs South Africa and, since then, has not been part of South Africa’s India tour. Apart from Gill, Hardik Pandya is also set to return to the T20 squad after the Asia Cup. India squad for T20I series against SA: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC)*, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar Note: * Subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE. Rinku Singh not part of T20I squad vs South Africa Despite a strike rate of 161.76 in the T20 format, along with an average of 42.30, Rinku Singh has not been part of the team for the T20I campaign against South Africa. Hardik Pandya slammed fifty in Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy All-rounder Hardik Pandya was injured in the Asia Cup. Due to an injury sustained in a Super-4 stage match, he could not play the final against Pakistan on September 28. Despite this, Team India won the title by registering a 5-wicket victory. Hardik made a comeback by scoring a fifty in the domestic T-20 tournament Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Playing for Baroda, he scored 77 runs and also took 1 wicket. Shubman was injured in the Kolkata Test India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill got injured during the first Test against South Africa. While batting in the first innings, he felt a strain in his neck after playing a sweep shot. After which he retired hurt. He was admitted to the hospital, where it was revealed that he is currently not fit to play cricket. Vice-captain Gill certainly got a chance in the T20 team, but he might be out of the initial matches. He will only be fielded in the match after receiving fitness clearance from the medical team. World Cup jersey also launched in Raipur BCCI also launched Team India’s new jersey for the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7. The jersey was launched in Raipur in the presence of BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia. T20 team’s Tilak Varma and tournament brand ambassador Rohit Sharma were also present during the event. Series to begin from December 9 The second match of the ODI series between South Africa and India was played in Raipur. The third ODI will be played on December 6. Then, a 5-match T20 series will begin from December 9. The series is important for both teams keeping in mind the World Cup preparations. South Africa’s Squad for T20 Series Aiden Markram (Captain), Ottniel Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and Tristan Stubbs.