Will Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gil return for T20I series against South Africa? What is latest update?
All-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to return to the squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting in Cuttack on December 9, while the availability of former T20I captain Shubman Gill remains uncertain.
Gill will be at the top of the agenda when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets in Raipur. In Gill's absence, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal are considered potential contenders to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. Samson was part of the T20I squad that recently toured Australia, but played only two of the five matches, batting at number 3 only once. Jaiswal was not part of that squad.
Gill suffered a neck injury
Gill suffered a neck injury while batting in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, after which he retired hurt and could not play any further matches. He also missed the second Test, which India lost, resulting in a 2-0 series defeat. He subsequently missed the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa.
Gill will need at least five weeks of rest
Gill's injury is believed to be a pinched nerve, and according to the initial timeline set by the BCCI medical team, he will need at least five weeks of rest before resuming practice. He arrived at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday to continue his rehab.
Selectors may also consider Riyan Parag
The selectors may also consider Riyan Parag in the 15-member squad. Parag last played for India in the 2024 T20 series against Bangladesh and is currently captaining Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Hardik has successfully recovered from injury
The selectors will be pleased with Hardik's successful comeback. Hardik led Baroda to victory against Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Tuesday. He has successfully recovered from a left quadricep injury he suffered during the Asia Cup in September. Hardik took 1 wicket for 52 runs in four overs and scored a match-winning 77 not out in his first competitive game in more than two months.
After the ODI series ends on December 6, the T20 series against South Africa will begin in Cuttack on December 9. This will be followed by matches in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamsala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17), and Ahmedabad (December 19).
The Indian T20 team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, currently tops the rankings, while South Africa is in fifth place.