Gambhir and Suryakumar told to plan for Hardik's return to T20 side: 'It will be very important'

Indian T20I side is on a roll, winning series after series under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. The series win against Australia established the Men in Blue as firm favourites to defend their T20 World Cup title with the batting and bowling both doing well.

Despite consistently winning, Suryakumar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have not yet finalised the team and have been experimenting with the playing combinations.

The batting line-up has seen changes in personnel as well as positions. Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina, however, has zeroed in on his middle order.

Raina wants Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to hit big in the middle order and thinks that this trio will play with a different style after the openers.

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‘For me there are three hard-hitters after the openers: Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. If these three players play at 4,5,6 then you will see a different style of play.”

‘Hardik Pandya’s return needs to be planned’

Raina also stated that the team management will face a big question when Hardik Pandya returns from injury.

“The biggest question that is there is how do you set Hardik Pandya in the middle order. There I think the team management will have to do some planning in the 10 matches that are there against top teams. How that combination is settled, will be very important,” added Raina.

India have 10 T20Is left before the 2026 T20 World Cup. Five of these are against South Africa and the other five against New Zealand with both the series taking place at home.

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Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron also believes that Pandya’s comeback into the side will be crucial.

“Hardik Pandya’s return will strengthen the middle order significantly,” Aaron said. “On the bowling front, India has the flexibility to play with just one specialist fast bowler if desired, as there are multiple permutations to explore.”

“The upcoming five-match T20 series against South Africa at home will provide a vital opportunity to finalize selections,” Aaron said.