Summary of this article

Shubman Gill's return means Sanju Samson would have to compete with Jitesh Sharma for playing XI spot

Suryakumar Yadav says Hardik Pandya's presence will "give a good balance" to the side

Skipper says 2026 T20 World Cup prep began right after India won the showpiece in 2024

With the return of vice-captain Shubman Gill ahead of the series opener against South Africa, India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav made it apparent that Sanju Samson would have to compete with fellow wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma for a place in the middle order. He also stated that all batters, barring the openers, should be flexible with regards to their position in the order.

"Sanju (Samson), when he came into the circuit, he batted higher up the order," Suryakumar said at the pre-match

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