Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya re-entry for T20 series

Shubman Gill has returned to the Indian T20 squad as vice-captain, while star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has also made a comeback after recovering from injury. Both players have been included in the five-match T20 series against South Africa.

Gill, who was injured during the first Test against South Africa, had missed the rest of the Test and ODI series. Now fully fit, he will resume his role as vice-captain, though the BCCI has stated that he will be required to prove his fitness in match situations. Hardik, meanwhile, showcased his recovery during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Having missed the 2025 Asia Cup final and the Australia tour due to injury, his return strengthens India’s all-rounder options.

The T20 series will begin on December 9 in Cuttack, followed by matches in Chandigarh (11), Dharamshala (14), Lucknow (17), and Ahmedabad (19).

India T20 Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar.