IND vs SA: Sanju Samson or Shubman Gill at the top? Suryakumar Yadav sets the record straight
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As the Men in Blue gear up to begin the final phase of the home series against the Proteas, Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed the availability of Shubman Gill . The Indian Test captain suffered a neck spasm during the opening India vs South Africa Test, which ruled him out of the second red-ball match as well as the three-match ODI series. However, with the BCCI CoE clearing him to play, Gill is set to make his return to the field. Meanwhile, Gill’s comeback has reignited the debate over who deserves the opening spot in the T20I lineup, the vice-captain or Sanju Samson. This time, though, skipper Suryakumar Yadav has dismissed those doubts right from the outset.
Sanju Samson or Shubman Gill? Suryakumar Yadav clarifies roles ahead of IND vs SA opener
The IND vs SA T20I series is set to begin on Tuesday, December 8, in Cuttack. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, every move the defending champions make now has to be strategic. The Asia Cup 2025 saw the management reintegrate Shubman Gill into the shortest-format setup, this time as the deputy of Suryakumar Yadav. His elevation to vice-captain immediately placed Gill in direct contention for a spot in the India Playing XI.
The move, however, proved needlessly harsh on Sanju Samson. In Gill’s absence, Samson stepped into the opening role and made it his own for over a year. The wicketkeeper-batter reinforced his credentials by becoming the first Indian to score centuries in consecutive T20I innings. Moreover, Samson emerged as India’s second-highest run-scorer since the 2024 T20 World Cup.
However, none of the moves he made stood a chance once Gill returned. The arrival of the newly appointed Indian Test captain made it evident that Samson was viewed as nothing more than a ‘filler’. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had already clarified that Samson was only stepping in for Gill as India’s opener while the youngster focused on the longer formats. Despite Samson’s strong run of form, he was pushed into the middle order for the Asia Cup 2025, where he had to compete with Jitesh Sharma, a designated middle-order batter and wicketkeeper, for a place in the India Playing XI.
The decision opened a can of worms for the team management and the BCCI selection panel. Gill’s subdued showing in the ACC tournament intensified the criticism, with fans and experts questioning why Samson had to give up the opening spot. With the focus shifting back to the shorter format for the IND vs SA series, the debate has resurfaced.
With Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya returning to the India squad for the IND vs SA series, the complexion of the India Playing XI is set for a significant shake-up. The biggest talking point now centres on one key dilemma, will Sanju Samson find a place in the side? Samson has showcased strong form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, posting scores of 51, 43, 46, and 73. Even so, captain Suryakumar Yadav, ahead of the start of the India vs South Africa series, has made it clear that the batting order will remain unchanged where Gill will open, and Samson will continue in the middle order.
"Sanju, when he came into the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now, the thing is, other than the openers, everyone has to be flexible. He did really well when he opened the innings, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series, so he deserves to take that spot,” Surya said.
"But we gave Sanju opportunities. He was ready to bat at any number, which is actually good to see a player being flexible to bat anywhere from No. 3 to 6. That's one thing I have told all the batters that other than openers, everyone has to be very flexible. Both [Samson and Jitesh] are in the scheme of things. It's always good to have lovely players like both of them. One can open, one can bat lower down the order. In fact, both can do all the roles. It's an asset to the team and a good headache to have," he added.
The situation becomes even more intriguing when considering Samson’s competition. His challenge is no longer limited to Gill reclaiming the opening slot. Jitesh Sharma has emerged as a direct rival for the wicketkeeper-batter position. In India’s most recent T20I, played against Australia, Jitesh stepped into Samson’s role and delivered a composed, unbeaten 22 off 13 balls to clinch the match and level the series 1-1. That impactful cameo will certainly remain fresh in the selectors’ minds, adding another layer of uncertainty to Samson’s chances.
On a positive note for the team, both Gill and Hardik Pandya are fully fit and ready to take the field again. Pandya, who missed the Asia Cup final due to a quadriceps injury, has already returned to competitive action for Baroda in the SMAT. Gill's comeback, meanwhile, at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium on Tuesday will be closely watched, with fans eager to see how he responds after a lengthy layoff.
"Both [Gill and Pandya] are looking healthy and fit. What you saw in the Asia Cup also, when he [Hardik] was bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options, combinations for us with respect to the playing XI," Suryakumar Yadav said. "That's what he brings to the table. His experience, the way he has done well in all big games, all ICC events, ACC events. I think that experience will count a lot and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the side," he rounded off.
