'A good headache': Suryakumar Yadav welcomes Hardik Pandya–Shubman Gill comeback, says India gain balance, experience

NEW DELHI: India skipper Suryakumar Yadav believes India's T20 formula is about to get stronger—thanks to the return of two familiar game-changers. On the eve of the first T20I against South Africa, the captain called Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill's comeback “invaluable,” adding that their presence gives India the perfect blueprint for next year's T20 World Cup.

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Pandya, back after a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup, has already shown glimpses of form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was one of the first to hit the nets on Sunday. Surya hailed the seam-bowling all-rounder as the man who unlocks multiple combinations.




“What you saw in the Asia Cup was when he opened the bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options and combinations for us… that's what he brings to the table and his experience is invaluable,” Surya said in Cuttack. “He has done well in big games and ICC and ACC events. His presence will definitely give a good balance to the side.”

Alongside Hardik, India also reclaim their vice-captain. Gill returns from a neck injury and is set to resume opening alongside Abhishek Sharma. That call, Surya clarified, wasn't a demotion for Sanju Samson but a tactical choice.


“Other than the openers, everyone has to be very flexible,” he said. “We gave Sanju enough opportunities. He's ready to bat anywhere from three to six. That's a good headache to have — one can open, the other can bat lower down the order, and both can do all roles.”

In true team-first spirit, Surya reiterated that India won't commit to fixed slots. The only certainties: openness and adaptability.

“You can't compare all-rounders with finishers,” he explained. “All batters from 3 to 7 are capable of batting at any position. For example, you might see Tilak Verma batting at six. As you saw in Australia, Dube went at number three. It depends on the entry point.”

His conclusion was simple—and ominous for opponents: “More likely, this is what the squad looks like. It looks good. It looks strong. So, I am very happy with it.”


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