Suryakumar Yadav issues statement on Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in XI for 1st T20I

Team India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav shared good news ahead of the upcoming T20I series, saying that Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya are fit to play. The two players’ availability will give the team a boost ahead of the first T20I of the five-match series, which is set to begin on Tuesday, December 9, in Cuttack.

India have not lost a single T20I series under Suryakumar Yadav since lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies. The Men in Blue have won 13 of the 15 T20Is played in 2025 and 26 of their last 30 games overall. Notably, the series against South Africa will be crucial in their preparation for the T20 World Cup.

Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya Are Looking Fit - Suryakumar Yadav

A day before the opening T20I, Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill have cleared their fitness concerns. Speaking to reporters in Cuttack, he said the two players are “looking healthy and fit”.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"Both [Gill and Pandya] are looking healthy and fit," Suryakumar told the reporters at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.

Hardik Pandya has worked hard after injuring his quadriceps in the Asia Cup 2025 match against Sri Lanka. The injury kept him out of the final against Pakistan and also ruled him out of the white-ball tour of Australia. He returned to competitive cricket in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Shubman Gill has also been recovering from an injury. He hurt his neck during the opening Test against South Africa in Kolkata and was unable to take part in the rest of the series. The issue also forced him out of the second Test. Gill also missed the ODI series, where India went on to win 2-1.

We Don’t Plan To Change a Lot in Our Playing XI - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar also shared some clarity on India’s batting plans for the upcoming T20Is. He said that Shubman Gill will open with Abhishek Sharma, as India do not want to keep changing their lineup ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

“It was Shubman who started in the series against Sri Lanka after that we gave chances to Sanju up in the order. He is a flexible player, can bat anywhere. We don't plan to change a lot in our playing XI in the next 2 series. We won't be changing or trying too many things. We will continue with it,” Suryakumar said.

Hardik Pandya Opened Up A Lot of Options - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav said that Hardik Pandya strengthens the team, especially with his bowling. He added that when Pandya takes the new ball, it gives the team many more options while picking the playing XI.

"What you saw in the Asia Cup also, when he [Hardik] was bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options, combinations for us with respect to the playing XI," Surya stated.

"That's what he brings to the table. His experience, the way he has done well in all big games, all ICC events, ACC events. I think that experience will count a lot and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the side."

Also read: Mohammed Shami HAUNTS Ajit Agarkar again with another Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy masterclass after India snub