Shubman Gill (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Shubman Gill to make a strong comeback as India gear up for the five-match T20I series against South Africa beginning on 9 December. Pathan believes the opener must now lock down his place at the top of the order in the shortest format, especially with the build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gaining pace. India head into the T20Is after a convincing 2-1 victory in the ODI leg, and the focus now shifts to fine-tuning combinations for next year’s global event in India and Sri Lanka.

Gill returns to the squad after missing the second Test and the entire ODI series against South Africa because of neck spasms sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. The 26-year-old spent a short period in hospital as a precaution before being released and completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. He has since been cleared to play the upcoming T20Is. Speaking on JioStar, Pathan said Gill has every opportunity to establish himself as India’s long-term T20 opener. “Shubman Gill should secure his place at the top in T20 cricket. We value players who can perform across formats. His IPL record shows how well he can play. This five-match series gives him plenty of chances. He is returning from a minor injury, and with good batting surfaces offering pace and bounce, like in Dharamshala, he will enjoy batting.” Pathan also turned his attention to India’s lower-middle order, stressing the importance of identifying a reliable finisher alongside Hardik Pandya for the upcoming World Cup campaign on home soil. He pointed to Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh as contenders for the crucial role. “I want to see who partners Hardik Pandya as a finisher, and how effectively they do it. This is a key area if we want to defend the World Cup at home. Our lower-middle order needs to be in strong form. Axar, Jitesh and Rinku are all options, but we must see who complements Hardik best,” Pathan said. India and South Africa meet in the opening T20I on Tuesday in Cuttack. The second match will take place in Mullanpur on 11 December, followed by the third in Dharamsala on 14 December. Lucknow will host the fourth game on 17 December, and the series will conclude in Ahmedabad on 19 December.