Team India Expected to Receive a Big Boost for SA T20I Series

India is facing some injury issues in their T20I squad, which puts some concerns for the team. But it is expected that two of the key players are all set to return in action. Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya have been on the way to their comeback which is about to happen soon.

India did not have a good time in the Test series against South Africa. Not only did they lose the series, their Captain, Shubman Gill also suffered with an injury. While he has been ruled out of the ODI series, there have been some speculations whether he will be able to make it back in time for or not.

Along with that, India has also been missing out on the action of Hardik Pandya. Both of these players have been the key to India's success in the T20I format, and fans have been waiting for the time when they finally announce their returns. Fortunately, there is some positive news for the Indian camp as the latest developments favour these two players.

1. Gill’s Return

Shubman Gill suffered an injury in the Test series against South Africa. During the first Test, he came out and played just three balls before being injured. Suffering with neck spasm, Gill was immediately taken off the field and didn't come to bat again in the entire game. Along with that, it should be noted that due to this issue.

While India lost the first game, fans still waited for Gill to be back for the second Test. But his injury turned out to be a little bit serious. He was eventually ruled out of the team for the second Test, and Rishabh Pant was announced as the stand-in captain. Along with that, Gill is also not a part of the ODI team, and KL Rahul as the skipper in his place.

Now, there is some positive news surrounding India's vice captain in the T20I format. According to reports, the recovery of Shubman Gill is going at a rapid pace, and he is expected to be back in action very soon. If the recovery goes at this speed, there are high chances that he would feature for the team in the T20I series against South Africa.

2. Pandya’s Domestic Comeback

While Shubman Gill was injured recently, Hardik Pandya has been out of action for months. He suffered with an injury in the Asia Cup, when India had gone against Sri Lanka in the Super Fours of the tournament. Due to his injury, he was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, and didn't even play against Pakistan.

Fortunately, his quadriceps injury was not serious as he went on to recover without any needed surgery. Since then, Pandya has spent his time at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He has been recovering in the center of excellence, and

Along with that, it is being reported that Hardik Pandya will be making his comeback with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He will spend the next two three days at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. So, there are high chances that fans would see Hardik Pandya available for the team in the T20I series against South Africa.

3. India vs South Africa T20I Schedule

Before the T20 World Cup 2026, the finalists of the last edition will go against each other. And it will be a five match T20I series, as India hosts all the games. It will also be a great warm-up for the team, as India will also be hosting the T20 World Cup 2026, playing all its games at home, except for the match against Pakistan.

India vs South Africa T20I Schedule:

• 1st T20I: 9 December, 7:00 PM IST, Cuttack
• 2nd T20I: 11 December, 7:00 PM IST, New Chandigarh
• 3rd T20I: 14 December, 7:00 PM IST, Dharamsala
• 4th T20I: 17 December, 7:00 PM IST, Lucknow
• 5th T20I: 19 December, 7:00 PM IST, Ahmedabad

With India yet to announce its squad for the T20I series, fans think it will be because of the injury issues. Surely the BCCI is keeping a track on the recovery of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, to ensure that they are fit and fine for the T20I series.