Gambhir confirms Gill is all healthy ahead of the T20i series just couple of weeks after suffering a neck injury.
Gambhir: Gill ‘ready to start’ T20Is against South Africa
Gill’s return also brings clarity to India’s opening combination for the shortest format, with the management keen to persist with the aggressive Gill–Abhishek partnership that has shown promise in the past. The pair were prolific together in domestic cricket and the IPL, and Gambhir signalled his intent to back attacking options at the top as India build towards the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“Shubman gives us solidity and attacking intent at the same time,” Gambhir said. “With Abhishek, you get that left-right combination and powerplay momentum. It’s something we’re keen to settle going forward.”
Hardik’s availability further strengthens the balance of the side, particularly in the middle order and with the ball at the death. The allrounder last featured for India in September before a recurrence of an ankle issue sidelined him through the home season. Gambhir said Hardik’s return had been carefully managed. “We didn’t want to rush him. He has trained fully, bowled multiple spells and is ready to contribute in all facets,” he said.
India are expected to rotate their bowling attack across the T20I series, with Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav all likely to feature prominently after their strong performances in the ODI leg. With several first-choice players returning from injury, selection headaches will only increase for the think-tank.
South Africa, meanwhile, arrive for the T20Is on the back of a disappointing end to the ODI series but remain a formidable white-ball outfit. The opening match on Tuesday will mark the start of India’s final international assignment of the year, with Gambhir eager to build continuity and clarity as the side transitions into a new phase.