Cuttack: India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Monday addressed the much-discussed change in Sanju Samson’s batting position while welcoming back vice-captain Shubman Gill and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, both of whom have recovered from their respective injuries.
Addressing a presser on the eve of the series opener at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Suryakumar clarified that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson remains a vital part of the team’s plans despite losing his opening slot to Shubman Gill for the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa.
“When Sanju came into the T20I side, he batted higher up the order and did really well as an opener. But Shubman had opened before him in the Sri Lanka series, so he deserved to take that spot back once fit,” Suryakumar explained.
He further emphasised on the team’s philosophy of flexibility in the middle order. “Apart from the designated openers, every batter has to be ready to bat anywhere from 3 to 6. Sanju has shown he is completely flexible and willing to bat at any position — that’s a great asset. It’s a good headache to have players like Shubman and Sanju who can literally do all roles,” he added.
This dicussion had assumed significance against the backdrop of Team India’s preparations for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
Suryakumar further noted that the current squad composition, bolstered by the comebacks of Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill, gives India a strong and balanced look for the World Cup cycle. “Both of them look healthy and fit. I think what you saw in Asia Cup also, when he (Hardik) was bowling the new ball, he opened a lot of options, lot of combinations for us with respect to the playing eleven, so that’s what he brings to the table. His experience, the way he’s done really well in all the matches, all good games also, all bigger games, ICC events, all ACC events, so I think that experience will count a lot, and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the side.”
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Gill sustained a neck injury during the Test match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata last month, while Hardik was out with a quadriceps injury he suffered during Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match against Sri Lanka in September.
The Indian skipper also reiterated the team’s long-standing approach: “From No. 3 to 7, everyone is interchangeable depending on the situation. You might see Tilak Varma at six one day and Shivam Dube at three the next — that flexibility is our strength.”
He added that there won’t be too many changes in the team combination. “You don’t study all the lessons in the last four days before an exam. That’s why we started our preparations right after the 2024 T20 World Cup. We don’t plan to change a lot in our playing XI in the next 2 series. We won’t be changing or trying too many things,” he asserted.
