Sipu Jha
India’s T20I setup is set for a shake-up as Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya return to the squad ahead of the five-match series against South Africa starting Tuesday at Cuttack. Their inclusion raises immediate questions about the middle order, particularly the role of Sanju Samson, who has seen his position shift in recent months. Samson had been India’s go-to opener last year, forming a productive partnership with Abhishek Sharma. However, with Gill promoted to vice-captain, Samson was moved down the order during the Asia Cup. He has been in fine touch in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 51, 43, 46, and 73, but captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the order will remain unchanged, with Gill opening and Samson in the middle.
“Sanju did really well when he opened the innings, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series, so he deserves to take that spot,” Suryakumar said ahead of the series opener. Adding more competition, Jitesh Sharma is pushing for a spot in the middle order. In India’s last T20I against Australia, Jitesh replaced Samson as wicketkeeper-batter and scored an unbeaten 22 to help India level the series 1-1. His performance puts Samson under direct scrutiny and creates a healthy contest for spots. “We gave Sanju opportunities. He is flexible to bat anywhere from No. 3 to 6, and both [Samson and Jitesh] can play multiple roles. That’s an asset and a good headache for us,” Suryakumar added. The good news for India is that both Gill and Hardik Pandya are fully fit. Hardik missed the Asia Cup final due to a quadriceps injury but returned to action with Baroda in the SMAT, while Gill has recovered from a neck injury sustained in the first Test against South Africa. “Both are looking healthy and fit. Hardik’s return opens up options with the playing XI. Their experience in big games and ICC events will give the side a good balance,” Suryakumar said, signalling that India now has both firepower and flexibility heading into the T20 series.
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