New Delhi: Ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav clarified the decision to promote Shubman Gill to the opening slot, replacing Sanju Samson, while emphasizing continuity in the playing combinations.
With Gill returning from a short injury layoff, he is set to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Suryakumar himself will bat at number three. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the skipper said, “We don’t want to change too much in terms of combinations. The focus is on the style of cricket we want to play; beyond that, nothing major will be altered.”
Addressing Samson’s move down the order to number five, Suryakumar added, “Sanju is capable of opening and has performed well in that role. Shubman played ahead because he deserved the spot, but Sanju will continue to get opportunities. Flexibility is key; everyone must adapt to the team’s needs.”
The captain highlighted that having versatile players like Samson and Gill is an advantage, giving the team multiple options in batting roles.
India will play 10 T20I matches against South Africa and New Zealand before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at home, providing the team a chance to fine-tune strategies. “The immediate focus is on these bilateral series. As the World Cup approaches, our focus will gradually shift entirely to the tournament,” Suryakumar said.
The management appears keen on stability and clarity in the lineup, ensuring the team builds momentum and consistency ahead of next year’s marquee event.
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