India and South Africa are all set to battle in a five-match T20I series beginning Tuesday in Cuttack, marking an important phase of preparation ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The hosts will be strengthened by the return of star players Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, both declared fit before the opening match.

Gill & Hardik Return Boosts India’s Plans

Gill, who recovered from a recent injury, has cleared his fitness tests at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and is ready to rejoin the squad, while Pandya’s availability gives India a strong all-round option. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that both players are fully prepared for the contest.

India’s Focus: Refining Combinations for the World Cup

The series is expected to serve as a key checkpoint for India’s T20 World Cup s

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