India skipper Suryakumar Yadav hails Pandya’s return to the T20I set-up ahead of tonight’s 1st fixture vs South Africa in Cuttack; says all-rounder provides crucial balance to the side
India pacer Hardik Pandya. Pic/AFP
Ahead of the T20I series opener against South Africa, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav welcomed Hardik Pandya’s return, saying the seam-bowling all-rounder’s experience lends crucial balance to the side in preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup.
Back from injury
Pandya, who has played 120 T20Is for India, is back after recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup in the UAE in September. He has already shown good form in the games he turned out for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was among the first to hit the nets in India’s practice session at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday. Apart from him, India are also welcoming back vice-captain Shubman Gill, who has recovered from a neck injury sustained during the Test match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata last month.
“Both of them look healthy and fit. They have come along with the team. What you saw in the Asia Cup also was that when he opened the bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options and combinations for us with respect to the playing XI.
“So that’s what he brings to the table and his experience is invaluable. He has done well in a lot of good games, big games and ICC and ACC events as well. So that experience counts for a lot, and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the side,” said Suryakumar in the pre-match press conference on Monday.
Gill returns too
Gill’s return to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma will give some sheen to India’s preparation for the mega event. Suryakumar also explained how India shifted from having Sanju Samson as the opener to now zeroing in on Gill for that slot.
“In terms of Sanju, when he came on the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now the thing is, other than the openers, everyone has to be very flexible. He did really well when he opened the innings, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series and so he deserved to take that spot,” he said.
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SA’s winning percentage at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium — they’ve won both their T20I games vs India here previously
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