Shubman Gill's return would excite Indian fans, former South African predicts thrilling T20 contest between World Cup finalists

Former South African speedster Dale Steyn believes that Shubman Gill's return to the Indian T20I setup would raise the bars of anticipation for the upcoming T20I series between India and South Africa.

India won the ODI series and after a dominating victory they will advance to play the T20I series against the runners up of the ICC T20 World Cup. South Africa come from a tragic T20I series defeat to Pakistan while India are high on confidence following their win against Australia.

Shubman Gill's return would surely fill Indian fans with excitement

After having missed out on the ODI and the Test series, Indian T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill has returned to the T20I series following a recovery from the neck injury. The captain was missed by the Indian crowd and Dale Steyn feels that his return would surely inject a ray of new hope within the Indian fans.

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"Sounds like he’s back for India, so that makes every fan in India pretty excited to have him back," Steyn was quoted as saying.

Other than Shubman Gill, Indian veteran all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also likely to be back for the Indian team after the player recovered from his quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2025.

Dale Steyn is excited to witness David Miller in action for South Africa

Dale Steyn is further excited with the return of South African veteran batter David Miller who has been a grey slave for them over the years. Miller is no more a regular to the ODI side as considerately they are making a transition to newer players, like Dewald Brevis.

“He’s back for South Africa. Big hitting David Miller, he hits the ball out of the ground. I’m excited to watch him back," added Steyn.

David Miller was ruled out of the Pakistan T20I series as he sustained a grade one type of hamstring injury and will be back with the tour to India. This might also be an audition for his IPL mini-auction.

Last time India and South Africa clashed in a T20I was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

India last played in a T20I series in Australia and won the series 2-1 after two games were washed out by rain. However, South Africa come from a heavy thrashing in T20Is against Pakistan though they did not play with their A graded team.

Last time India and South Africa clashed was in the finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 a memorable day in the history of Men's cricket.

“Last time I watched South Africa play India in a T20 was in a World Cup final in Barbados. It’s going to be a great thing to watch and very excited to be a part of it," concluded Steyn as well.

The South Africa series will have the first game in Cuttack, an then India and South Africa will play T20I matches in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamsala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17), and Ahmedabad (December 19).

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