‘A good headache’: Suryakumar Yadav welcomes Hardik Pandya-Shubman Gill’s return, says India is gaining balance and experience | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav believes the Indian T20 formula is set to get stronger, thanks to the return of two familiar game-changers. On the eve of the first T20I against South Africa, the captain termed the return of Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill as “invaluable”, adding that their presence gives India the perfect template for next year’s T20 World Cup.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!Pandya, back after a quadriceps injury suffered during the Asia Cup, has already shown glimpses of his form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was one of the first to hit the nets on Sunday. Surya hailed the seam bowling all-rounder as the man who unlocks several combinations.
“What you saw in the Asia Cup was when he opened the bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options and combinations for us… that’s what he brings to the table and his experience is invaluable,” Surya said in Cuttack. “He has done well in big matches and ICC and ACC events. His presence will definitely give good balance to the team.”Alongside Hardik, India also gets their vice-captain back. Gill is returning from a neck injury and is expected to return to opening at the sides Abhishek Sharma. This call, Surya clarified, was not a demotion for Sanju Samson but a tactical choice.
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“Apart from the first few games, everyone has to be very flexible,” he said. “We have given Sanju enough opportunities. He is willing to bat between three and six. It’s a good puzzle: one can open, the other can bat lower down the order, and both can play all roles.”In true team spirit, Surya reiterated that India would not commit to fixed time slots. The only certainties: openness and adaptability.“You can’t compare all-rounders to finishers,” he explained. “All batters from 3 to 7 are capable of batting at any position. For example, you might see Tilak Verma batting at six. As you saw in Australia, Dube went at number three. It depends on the entry point.”His conclusion was simple and worrying for opponents: “More likely, this is what the team looks like. It looks good. It looks strong. So, I’m very happy with it.”
