India captain Suryakumar Yadav defended the team management’s decision to hand the opening slot to Shubman Gill ahead of Sanju Samson for the first T20I against South Africa in Cuttack.
He said Gill deserved the opportunity at the top of the order after returning to the T20I set-up.
Samson had impressed as an opener in late 2024, smashing three centuries in five innings and forging a strong partnership with Abhishek Sharma. But Gill reclaimed the role once he was named in the Asia Cup squad earlier this year. Gill, who focused on ODIs and Tests after July 2024, returned as India’s Test captain and is now seen as an all-format star.
Samson shifted to the middle order but managed only one fifty in five innings before being dropped in Australia. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma, who excelled as a finisher in IPL 2025, earned chances in the lower middle order.
“Sanju did really well as an opener, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series, so he deserved that spot,” Suryakumar said. He added that Samson remains in contention, alongside Jitesh, as India builds towards the T20 World Cup 2026.
Suryakumar emphasised flexibility in batting positions: “Other than the openers, everyone has to be ready to bat anywhere. Both Sanju and Jitesh are assets to the team.”
Gill, now fully fit after recovering from a neck injury, will return alongside Hardik Pandya, who is set to play his first international match since the Asia Cup. India will play 10 T20Is, including the five-match series against South Africa, before the World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.
