Shubman Gill returns as BCCI announces India squad for the T20I series against South Africa

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday evening announced a power-packed T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against South Africa, signalling a definitive blend of experience and youth. While Suryakumar Yadav was, as anticipated, retained as the captain, the major talking point was the return of star batter Shubman Gill, who has been appointed as the vice-captain. The announcement was made following a selection committee meeting held in Raipur, concluding a period of deliberation over the squad’s composition ahead of the high-stakes series.

Notably, India and South Africa are currently engaged in a One Day International series, where India holds a 1-0 lead, but all eyes are now turning to the shorter format spectacle set to commence on December 9 in Cuttack. The selected squad underscores India’s commitment to continuity while welcoming back key personnel from rehabilitation.

The most consequential additions to the squad are the seasoned all-rounder Hardik Pandya and the dynamic opener Gill. Pandya, a vital seam-bowling all-rounder, slots straight back into the lineup after successfully completing his mandatory rehab and Return to Play process at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. His presence provides the team with crucial balance and a multi-faceted option in both batting and bowling departments, a factor India’s T20I setup has sorely missed. Gill’s elevation to vice-captaincy highlights the selectors’ long-term trust in the young opener, though his participation is currently subject to a final fitness clearance from the BCCI COE, a standard precaution for players returning from injury.

India’s top-order exhibits a familiar and devastating spine. The young duo of Abhishek Sharma and Gill is expected to open the innings, providing an aggressive start. Captain Suryakumar, known for his 360-degree stroke play, will anchor the middle order alongside the technically sound Tilak Varma. The two are kept as flexible options at numbers three and four, allowing the team management to adapt to match situations.

The wicketkeeping department sees Sanju Samson retained as the first-choice option, cementing his place in the format. However, the selectors have kept pressure on the spot with the inclusion of Jitesh Sharma, who offers an explosive lower-order batting option. In the all-rounder category, Shivam Dube keeps his spot, valued for his ability as a spin-enforcer in the middle overs and his handy additional seam bowling.

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The bowling attack maintains impressive consistency, featuring a mix of raw pace, accurate swing, and world-class spin. Jasprit Bumrah, arguably the world’s best T20 pacer, heads the attack, providing incisive starts and death-over control. He is ably supported by the contrasting pace and angle of the left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, alongside the promising young speedster Harshit Rana.

The spin department is equally formidable. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar cover both control and batting depth, while the wrist-spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav offers a potent strike option through the middle overs, often proving unplayable. Varun Chakaravarthy’s mystery spin also finds a place, rounding out a well-balanced and strategically varied bowling unit designed to excel on South African wickets. The five-match series promises an intense contest as India looks to build on their current ODI momentum.

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill* (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar.

*Note: Subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE.

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