India's T20 World Cup Preparations Begin with Key Player Returns
India's T20 World Cup Journey Kicks Off
The return of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya is set to enhance the depth and effectiveness of the reigning world champions, India, as they embark on their official preparations for the upcoming home T20 World Cup. The opening match of a five-game series against South Africa is scheduled for Tuesday.
This series serves as the initial phase of India's structured approach leading up to the February tournament, where they will engage in ten T20 matches—five against South Africa followed by another five against New Zealand—before commencing their title defense against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium.
As the defending champions, India aims to enter this crucial phase with a clear strategy, refining player roles, optimizing combinations, and finalizing the playing XI that will bear the expectations of home crowds.
Post their World Cup victory last year, India has established itself as a dominant T20I team, winning eight consecutive matches to secure the title.
Their record has improved to 26 wins against just four losses, including a remarkable seven-match winning streak during their Asia Cup triumph in Dubai.
India has not lost a T20I series since their World Cup win, and with only minor adjustments needed, they are eager to sharpen their skills against the team they defeated in the World Cup final.
Shubman Gill's Comeback
Shubman Gill's return follows a month-long absence due to a neck spasm sustained while attempting a slog sweep during the first Test against South Africa.
Given the packed schedule ahead, his workload will be closely monitored, especially after a continuous run of cricket since the last IPL.
For Gill, who has accumulated 837 runs from 33 T20Is at an average of 29.89, this series is crucial for his preparation for the ICC event.
His partnership with Abhishek Sharma reinstates a powerful opening duo that combines raw power with elegant strokeplay.
Abhishek, fresh off a successful tour of Australia where he led India's scoring with 163 runs in a 2-1 series win, has been in exceptional form domestically.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, the Punjab left-hander scored 304 runs at an impressive average of 50.66 and a striking strike rate of over 249, including a stunning 52-ball 148 against Bengal.
Hardik Pandya's Significant Return
The return of Hardik Pandya is equally noteworthy.
After being sidelined for over two months due to a quadricep injury sustained during the Asia Cup, he made a strong comeback with a 42-ball 77 not out for Baroda in the SMAT, followed by bowling four overs at full pace for 1/52.
He arrived a day early to train at the Barabati Stadium, where he practiced solo, bowled for 20 minutes, and underwent an extensive physical routine.
His inclusion not only strengthens India's batting lineup but also restores balance to a bowling attack that relies heavily on versatility.
Suryakumar Yadav's Form Under Scrutiny
A key topic of discussion leading into the series is the form of captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has been experiencing a prolonged slump.
The stark contrast between his impressive IPL 2025 performance, where he scored 717 runs for the Mumbai Indians, and his disappointing T20I statistics has been notable.
Since assuming the role of full-time T20I captain in July of the previous year, his average has dropped to 15.33, with only 184 runs in 15 innings, and he has not reached fifty in his last 20 matches, with a strike rate decline to 127.77 from over 187 in 2022.
Even in the current SMAT season, he has struggled to score a fifty, accumulating 165 runs across five matches.
While a drastic change before the World Cup seems unlikely, the upcoming ten T20Is will provide ample discussion points regarding his performance and leadership.
Wicketkeeper-Batter Dilemma
The debate over the wicketkeeper-batter position—Sanju Samson or Jitesh Sharma—remains intriguing.
India's management of the duo during the Australia series raised eyebrows, with Samson batting only once and being promoted to No. 3, while Jitesh was favored for the last three T20Is.
Since India's World Cup victory, Samson has been the team's third-highest run-scorer, excelling as an opener with three centuries, including two in South Africa. However, Gill's return as vice-captain has pushed Samson down the order into a less familiar role in T20 cricket.
In the recent SMAT, Samson displayed excellent form with two fifties, two forties, and a 73 not out off 56 balls against Andhra, while Jitesh had modest returns for Baroda, with a top score of 41 from six matches.
South Africa's Squad Updates
On the South African side, they welcome back fast bowler Anrich Nortje for his first international match since last year's T20 World Cup final.
Marco Jansen's development into a genuine all-rounder adds strength to the visitors; his explosive 93 in the Guwahati Test and 70 off 39 balls in Ranchi highlighted his growing authority with the bat alongside his established bowling skills.
Veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj also returns to the white-ball format, although the Proteas will miss star batter Tony de Zorzi and young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, both sidelined due to injuries for the five-match series.
Teams for the Series
India: Suryakumar Yadav ©, Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottineil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donnovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Tristan Stubbs.
Match Starts: 7pm IST.