Suryakumar Yadav Confirms Fitness of Key Players Ahead of T20I Series Against South Africa

As the Indian T20I team gears up for their series against South Africa, captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that both Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya are fit to play. Gill, who recently recovered from neck spasms, and Pandya, who was sidelined due to a quadriceps injury, are crucial to the team's strategy. The series kicks off with the first match on Tuesday at Barabati Stadium, followed by a total of five matches. Yadav also praised Pandya's experience, highlighting his importance in balancing the team. Read on for the complete squad and match schedule.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 8, 2025, 15:38 IST

Captain's Assurance on Player Fitness

Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India's T20I team, has assured fans that both Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya are in good health as they prepare for the first T20I match against South Africa. This opening game of the five-match series is set to take place at Barabati Stadium on Tuesday. During a pre-match press conference, Yadav stated, "Currently, both players appear to be fit and are part of the team."

Injury Updates on Gill and Pandya

Shubman Gill had previously been sidelined due to neck spasms, which forced him to miss the second Test and the ODI series against South Africa. He sustained this injury during the first Test in Kolkata and was hospitalized for precautionary reasons before being released. Following his recovery at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, he has been cleared to participate in the upcoming T20I series.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya was recovering from a quadriceps injury incurred during the Asia Cup 2025 in September. His absence was felt during the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, which India won, as well as during the white-ball tour of Australia. Pandya demonstrated his fitness by playing for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Suryakumar Praises Pandya's Contribution

The T20I captain expressed high regard for Pandya's contributions to the team. He emphasized that Pandya's experience is crucial, providing a solid balance to the squad. "As seen in the Asia Cup, when he bowled with the new ball, he opened up numerous options for our playing XI. His experience in significant matches, including ICC and ACC events, will be invaluable, and his presence will enhance our team's balance," Suryakumar remarked.

Upcoming T20I Match Schedule

The first T20I match between India and South Africa will occur on Tuesday in Cuttack. The second T20I is scheduled for December 11 in Mullanpur, followed by the third match on December 14 in Dharamsala. The fourth T20I will take place on December 17 in Lucknow, and the series will conclude with the fifth match in Ahmedabad on December 19.

India's Squad for the T20I Series

The Indian squad for the T20I series against South Africa includes: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Washington Sundar.