Gill, Hardik return as India begin 2026 T20 World Cup build-up against Proteas

India will step into the South Africa T20I series with a renewed sense of completeness as Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya return to action, restoring both stability and star power to the reigning world champions.

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

The five-match contest begins in Cuttack on Tuesday, marking the start of India's formal buildup to the home T20 World Cup, starting 7 February.

As captain Suryakumar Yadav pointed out on the eve of the series opener, the defending champions started their preparations long back, and enter this phase with a clear roadmap defined roles, refined combinations and locked in a core group.

Since lifting the T20 World Cup last year with eight successive wins, India have extended their dominance to 26 victories from 30 matches, including a seven-match unbeaten run during their Asia Cup triumph. They are yet to lose a T20I series during this period and will look to maintain that momentum against the side they defeated in the previous T20 World Cup final.

Gill's workload in focus:

Gill's comeback follows a month-long break caused by a neck spasm he sustained while attempting a slog sweep in the opening Test against South Africa in Kolkata. With a heavy cricket calendar ahead, managing his workload will be a key priority, but the right-hander also views this series as valuable preparation for the upcoming ICC event.

Across 33 T20Is, he has accumulated 837 runs at an average just under 30, and his reunion with Abhishek Sharma restores a left-right opening pair capable of both bludgeoning and caressing attacks.