Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India’s Twenty20 team, clarified that having Hardik in the squad gives the management a lot of possibilities to experiment with different lineups. Hardik’s presence will provide the squad with excellent balance, according to Suryakumar, who also praised his experience, particularly in high-stress games in ICC championships.
After suffering a left quadriceps injury in September at the 2025 Asia Cup, Hardik Pandya made his competitive cricket comeback at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The star all-rounder is ready to play in the forthcoming five-match T20I series between South Africa and India after playing two games for Baroda.
“I think what you saw in the Asia Cup also, when he was bowling the new ball, he opened a lot of options, a lot of combinations for us with respect to playing XI,” Suryakumar Yadav stated at the announcement in Cuttack prior to the game.
“He brings that to the table. His background and the fact that he has performed admirably in every match, every good game, and every major game in ICC competitions. That experience will be quite important, in my opinion. He went on to say, “His presence will undoubtedly give the side a good balance.”
Shubman Gill is another player making a comeback to international cricket following an injury. The Punjab batsman missed the second Test and the next ODI series after suffering a neck injury in last month’s opening Test match against South Africa in Kolkata.
Regarding Shubman and Hardik’s fitness, Suryakumar was questioned. The batter for the Mumbai Indians responded to this in an encouraging manner.
Regarding Shubman and Hardik, Suryakumar, who has an outstanding record as the Indian team’s captain, stated, “Right now, both of them look healthy and fit.”
On Tuesday, December 9, India and South Africa will play their first Twenty20 International at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Both teams have excellent sides in this style, so it will be an intriguing series. Additionally, it will offer excellent preparation for the T20 World Cup that India and Sri Lanka will co-host next year.
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