Ahead of the T20I series opener against South Africa, India captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed his excitement over Hardik Pandya’s return to the squad. Yadav highlighted that Pandya’s experience as a seam-bowling all-rounder provides essential balance to the team as they gear up for next year’s T20 World Cup. Having played 120 T20Is for India, Pandya is making his comeback to the T20I setup after recovering from a quadriceps injury he sustained during the Asia Cup in the UAE last September. The all-rounder has displayed strong form in his appearances for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was one of the first players to hit the nets in India’s practice session at Barabati Stadium on Sunday.

Both of them look healthy and fit. They have come along with the team. What you saw in Asia Cup also was when he opened the bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options and combinations for us with respect to the playing eleven.

So that’s what he brings to the table and his experience is invaluable. He has done well in a lot of good games, big games and ICC and ACC events also. So that experience counts for a lot and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the side,” said Suryakumar in the pre-match press conference on Monday.

Gill’s return to open the batting alongside the in-form Abhishek Sharma will give some sheen to India’s preparation for the mega event. Suryakumar also explained about how India shifted from having Sanju Samson as the opener to now zeroing in on Gill for that slot.

Since Gill’s inclusion, Samson has been batting either at number five or slotted at number three.

“In terms of Sanju, when he came on the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now the thing is, other than the openers, everyone has to be very flexible. He did really well when he opened the innings, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series and so he deserved to take that spot.

“But we gave Sanju enough opportunities – he’s ready to bat at any number, which is good to see – any player who’s ready and flexible to bat anywhere from three to six. I have told batters other than the openers that you have to be flexible to bat.

“So, both are in the scheme of things – it’s lovely to have players like them be a part of the squad. One can open, the other can bat lower down the order – even both can do all the roles. So they are a good asset for our team and a good headache to have,” he said.

Gill wrapped up by emphasizing what the Indian team has consistently stated: there are no fixed positions for batters in the T20I lineup. “Dube is an all-rounder, so is Hardik, and you can’t compare all-rounders with finishers. The reality is, all batters from positions 3 to 7 are versatile enough to bat anywhere. For instance, you might see Tilak Verma batting at six.

As you saw in Australia, Dubey went in to bat at number three. It depends on the entry point of the batter. We have to be really flexible during that. Before us, you get to know how the squad will be. More likely, this is what the team and the squad looks like. It looks good. It looks strong. So, I am very happy with it.