Hardik Pandya is set to return to India’s T20I squad when the selectors announce the team for the upcoming five-match series against South Africa. However, there is still uncertainty around the availability of vice-captain Shubman Gill, whose fitness remains a major concern. The selection meeting, led by Ajit Agarkar, will take place in Raipur, where India are currently playing South Africa in the second ODI.
With Gill likely to miss the series, India will need to find a new opening partner for Abhishek Sharma. Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the strongest contenders. Samson was part of the T20I squad that toured Australia recently but got limited opportunities. Jaiswal, although experienced, was not included in that squad. Gill injured his neck during the first Test in Kolkata and has been out since. His issue, a pinched nerve, requires at least five weeks of rest before he can resume training. He has now reached the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to continue his rehabilitation.
The selectors might also consider Riyan Parag for the squad. Parag last played a T20I series in 2024 and is currently leading Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
A positive for India is Hardik Pandya’s successful comeback. Playing for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he delivered an impressive all-round performance—taking 1 for 52 and scoring an unbeaten 77—to help his team beat Punjab. Hardik had been recovering from a quadricep injury suffered during the Asia Cup.
The T20I series begins on December 9 in Cuttack, with the remaining matches scheduled in New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are currently the No. 1 T20I team, while South Africa sit at No. 5.
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