Follow UsOn the eve of India’s five-match T20I series against South Africa starting in Cuttack, India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav faced the media and explained the rationale behind squad decisions, reiterating that the team’s campaign is being viewed as a critical preparation phase for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Addressing the broader picture, Suryakumar affirmed that preparations for the World Cup began soon after India’s previous triumph in 2024.
“Our 2026 T20 World Cup preparation began right after we won the T20 World Cup in 2024. Our preparation is similar,” he said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
“The preparation started after the T20 World Cup 2024 got over. Since then, we have been trying new things and everything is working for us. I feel in the last 5-6 series which we have played, we have tried and played with a similar combination. We have not changed too much… Everything is going well. We wanted to continue the same way.”
He also confirmed that the returns of Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill strengthen the squad, emphasising the value Pandya brings.
“When he was bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options, combinations for us with respect to the playing eleven,” he said.
“That’s what he brings to the table. His experience, the way he has done well in all the matches, all good games also, all bigger games in ICC events. I think that experience will count a lot. His presence will definitely give a good balance to the side.”
With Gill’s return, the competition for middle-order spots has tightened, particularly affecting wicketkeeper-batsmen such as Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, and probably also leading to the exclusion of Rinku Singh as well.
“Sanju, when he came into the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now the thing is, other than the openers, everyone has to be flexible,” the Indian skipper said.
“He did really well when he opened the innings, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series, so he deserves to take that spot. But we gave Sanju opportunities. He was ready to bat at any number. Both (Samson and Jitesh) are in the scheme of things. Both can do all the roles. It’s an asset to the team and a good headache to have.”
By omitting Rinku Singh, the team appears to prioritise all-round flexibility and depth over specialist finishing. With Pandya and Gill back in action, Suryakumar seems confident that this approach offers India better strategic options going into the South Africa series and beyond as they plan toward the 2026 T20 World Cup.