Ahead of the T20I series between India and South Africa, Team India’s new roster has been released. This time, several interesting changes were seen in the selection process. First, Shubman Gill has been reinstated as vice-captain. However, Gill will only be able to take the field once he receives a fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Center of Excellence.
The other big news is that there have been some important changes in the team selection. Hardik Pandya is returning to the team after a long time, while Nitish Reddy and Rinku Singh are not part of the squad this time. Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the ODI series against South Africa, will now play the five-match T20I series.
Team India names squad for South Africa T20I series
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Washington Sundar.
Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata, which ruled him out of the second Test and the entire ODI series. He has been training at the COE in Bengaluru for the past few days and reportedly has played long sessions in the nets without any issues.
Hardik Pandya’s last international match was against Sri Lanka in the 2025 Asia Cup. He had been recovering from a left thigh injury at the COE since October. He announced his return to action on December 2nd with a match-winning 77* against Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Match Schedule
- 1st T20I – 9 December, Cuttack
- 2nd T20I – 11 December, Mullanpur (New Chandhigarh)
- 3rd T20I – 14 December, Dharamsala
- 4th T20I – 17 December, Lucknow
- 5th T20I – 19 December, Ahmedabad
Read Also : India vs South Africa ODI Match
Conclusion
With a blend of returning stars, emerging talents, and strategic selections, India’s squad for the T20I series against South Africa reflects a balanced and forward-looking approach. The comeback of Hardik Pandya and the return of Jasprit Bumrah add significant strength to both the middle order and the pace attack, while Shubman Gill’s vice-captaincy signals his growing importance in India’s leadership group—pending his final fitness clearance.
As the team prepares for a crucial five-match series, the focus will be on testing combinations, assessing form, and building momentum ahead of major global tournaments. With several players eager to prove themselves and key seniors back in action, fans can expect a competitive and exciting contest between the two cricketing giants.
