Suryakumar Confirms Not Abhishek Sharma, THIS STAR BATTER Deserves Opening Spot in T20 World Cup

The Indian cricket team is ready for the five-match T20I series, which is set to start on December 9. With the T20I series, India's shortest format captain Suryakumar Yadav is also back in the squad. The right-handed batter addressed the media ahead of the series and answered a few questions.

The most concerning thing about India's squad has been the opening pair in the T20 format. India's ODI and Test skipper Shubman Gill was recently included in the squad as an opener, replacing Sanju Samson, who is likely to to switch his role and bat in the middle order. Many fans and cricket experts raised questions on this move.

Will Shubman Gill Play 2026 T20 World Cup?

The upcoming five-match T20I series against the Proteas is more than a preparation for the Indian team ahead of the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in February. During the conference, Suryakumar Yadav talked about why he wants Gill to open in the major tournament while choosing not to speak about Abhishek Sharma, one of the best T20 batsmen at the moment.

Suryakumar also gave the reason behind making Samson bat in the middle-order while giving Gill to open the innings, even after not being in the squad for a long time. The Indian skipper spoke about players being more flexible in the batting order.

Shubman Gill T20 World Cup selection is almost confirmed given that he is fully fit. Alongside being an opener, he is also the vice-captain of the team. Suryakumar Yadav on Shubman Gill comments further confirm the latter's participation in the global event.

Shubman Gill Returns in T20I Squad After Neck Injury

India's vice-captain Shubman Gill has joined India's T20I squad in Cuttack for the first match of the series against South Africa. The right-handed batter injured his neck during the 1st Test against the Proteas at Eden Gardens and was ruled out of both the Test and the ODI series. Gill was then sent to the BCCI's COE for the fitness test and was recently declared fit for the T20I series as well.

The top order batter, who is also one of the best batsmen in the world, is key to India's chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup. While the others can play an aggressive game, Gill's ability to rotate the strike constantly and play long makes him different from others. It remains to be seen how he performs in the IND vs SA T20I series after failing to impress in the Asia Cup 2025.