India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has offered an insightful and reassuring update ahead of the much-anticipated South Africa series, emphasising just how crucial Hardik Pandya’s return is for the side. Speaking with the calm assurance of someone who has seen enough transitions in Indian cricket, Suryakumar highlighted that Pandya’s all-round ability instantly restores the balance India rely on in the shortest format.

Whether it’s his power-hitting at No. 6, his overs through the middle, or his composure in pressure moments, Hardik Pandya remains one of India’s most influential T20 assets. Pandya, now fully fit after recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup, had missed significant game time, including the final against Pakistan. His absence carried through the ODI and T20I series against Australia and the home ODIs against South Africa.

For a player who thrives on rhythm, this was a long break—but his return couldn’t have come at a better time. With his comeback, India regains a genuine match-winning option with both bat and ball. The team is also hoping for a smooth stretch of cricket, especially as they continue their unbeaten T20I series run under head coach Gautam Gambhir.

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Suryakumar Yadav emphasised how Hardik’s ability to take the new ball during the Asia Cup gave India a wider range of combinations and tactical flexibility—something they value immensely going into a longer T20 cycle.

“What he did in the Asia Cup opened up so many options for us,” Suryakumar Yadav said in the pre-match press conference in Cuttack. “His experience in ICC events, his composure in big games—those things make a huge difference. His presence naturally gives balance to the side.”

The Indian captain also confirmed that both Hardik and vice-captain Shubman Gill are fully fit and available for selection ahead of the first T20I on December 2. With South Africa marking the beginning of India’s build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, the management is focusing on continuity rather than experimentation. India have ten T20Is before the global event, but Surya revealed that their preparations actually began right after lifting the 2024 title in Barbados.

“We started our 2026 planning right after the 2024 World Cup win. Since then, we’ve been trying new things, refining combinations, and everything has been falling into place,” he added.

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Despite India’s mixed form in ODIs and Tests, T20Is have been their strongest format in recent months—and Suryakumar attributes that to selection stability. “In the last 5–6 series, we’ve largely stuck to a similar combination. We haven’t changed too much, and it’s working for us,” he said.

With momentum on their side, India enter the Cuttack opener against South Africa confident, settled, and keen to continue their winning blueprint.