With the T20I series against South Africa set to begin on December 9, the Indian selection committee’s meeting in Raipur on Wednesday will be pivotal. The primary question mark looms over the fitness of vice-captain Shubman Gill, who is recovering from a neck injury sustained during the Test series. His availability for the T20Is is currently uncertain, with reports suggesting a ’50-50′ chance and a final assessment expected before the team’s December 6 assembly. If Gill cannot participate, the selectors may look to Sanju Samson or Yashasvi Jaiswal to partner Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order. Samson has featured in recent T20Is, while Jaiswal is an emerging talent. The selectors are also expected to confirm the inclusion of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has made a strong comeback in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after recovering from a hamstring injury. Pandya’s return to the T20I fold, and the broader squad composition, will offer insights into the team’s strategy for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The five-match series will be played across multiple cities, starting with the first T20 in Cuttack.
