The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a formidable squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International series against South Africa, marking the high-profile returns of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The series is scheduled to commence on December 9, 2025.
Star Players Make Their Comeback
In a significant boost for the Indian team, the selectors have recalled two of its most impactful match-winners. Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, and dynamic all-rounder Hardik Pandya are back in the T20I setup. Their inclusion adds immense firepower and experience to the side as it prepares for a challenging tour.
The team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with the talented Shubman Gill named as the vice-captain, albeit with an asterisk against his name. The squad features a mix of established stars and promising youngsters, aiming to build momentum in the shortest format.
Cloud Over Shubman Gill's Availability
While the squad announcement brought positive news, a major question mark hangs over the participation of vice-captain Shubman Gill. The BCCI has indicated that the 26-year-old opener is still recovering from a neck injury. His inclusion is conditional, subject to fitness clearance, making him doubtful for the series opener.
Gill's potential absence would be a setback for the batting lineup, given his proven ability to provide explosive starts at the top of the order. The team management and fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on his recovery progress in the coming days.
A Look at the Complete Squad
The BCCI has named a 15-member squad with a strong core for the South Africa assignment. The full list of players is as follows:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)*, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar.
The selection highlights a balanced approach, combining spin options like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy with a potent pace attack led by Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. The wicket-keeping duties will be shared between Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson.
What This Means for Team India
The recall of Bumrah and Pandya signals a shift towards fielding a full-strength T20I side. Their presence not only strengthens the playing XI but also elevates the overall intensity and confidence within the squad. For Pandya, this series is a crucial step back into international cricket, while Bumrah's return bolsters the bowling attack significantly.
The series against a competitive South African side at their home grounds presents an excellent opportunity for the team to test its combinations and build cohesion. All eyes will now be on the fitness of Shubman Gill as India finalizes its plans for the high-octane contest starting next week.
