"Him returning is a very good thing" - Aakash Chopra on India's squad for IND vs SA 2025 T20Is

Former India player Aakash Chopra has noted that Hardik Pandya's return to the Men in Blue squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa is a great development. He highlighted that although India have many all-rounders, including Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, no one can perform Hardik's role.

India will face South Africa in a five-match T20I series, with the first game scheduled in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9. The selectors recently picked a 15-member squad for India's penultimate T20I series before the 2026 T20 World Cup.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India opener noted that while Jasprit Bumrah's selection implies that the seamer would play all T20Is till next year's T20 World Cup, Hardik's return is welcome news.

"Jasprit Bumrah is part of the team, which means it's clear that Jasprit Bumrah won't take rest. Till the World Cup, he is going to play the shortest format. Hardik Pandya is returning to that team, which means there is no place for Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh," Chopra said. (4:05)

"Hardik Pandya's return is significant because only Hardik Pandya provides balance in this team. You play other all-rounders, Axar and Washi also play, but no one does the job Hardik Pandya does. He is the only player who allows you to play with just one pacer if it's a turning pitch. Him returning is a very good thing," he added.

Aakash Chopra opined that India might not be able to play just one specialist seamer in the T20I series against South Africa, considering the likely dewy conditions. He added that Shivam Dube might also have to roll his arm over, along with two frontline seamers and Hardik Pandya.

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'There are still question marks over Shubman Gill's availability" - Aakash Chopra on Indian vice-captain ahead of IND vs SA 2025 T20Is

Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that Shubman Gill's availability for the T20Is against South Africa is subject to fitness.

"There are still question marks over Shubman Gill's availability, although he is practising at the Center of Excellence and is batting for long. It's being said that he is not feeling any pain. However, there is a star in front of his name, which means he will be a part of the team if he remains fit," he said. (5:20)

While opining that Sanju Samson will likely open with Abhishek Sharma if Gill isn't available, the cricketer-turned-commentator added that Rinku Singh was slightly unfortunate to be left out.

"Only 15 players have been selected. Yashasvi Jaiswal's name is not in the team. If Shubman Gill doesn't play the first match, you can see Sanju Samson opening. You feel bad for Rinku because the last time he lifted the bat for India, he won the match and the Asia Cup by hitting a four," Chopra observed.

Rinku Singh has scored 550 runs at a strike rate of 161.76 in 25 T20I innings. He didn't get to bat in the solitary T20I he played in the preceding series against Australia, as the match was abandoned due to rain after India had scored 52 for no loss in 4.5 overs.