New Delhi: Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn said the return of India vice-captain Shubman Gill for the upcoming T20I series, starting December 9 in Cuttack, is set to generate widespread excitement among Indian fans.
Gill Cleared for T20Is
Gill had sustained a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata last month and underwent rehabilitation before being cleared by the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Following India’s 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa on Saturday, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed Gill’s readiness for the five-match T20I series.
“Sounds like he’s back for India, so that makes every fan in India pretty excited to have him back,” said Steyn in a video posted by Star Sports on their ‘X’ account, highlighting three things to look forward to in the series.
Boosted by Pandya and Miller Returns
Apart from Gill, India are also strengthened by the return of seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who had been sidelined with a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup in September.
Steyn also expressed excitement over South Africa batter David Miller, returning after a grade one right hamstring strain that caused him to miss the T20I series against Pakistan. “He’s back for South Africa. Big hitting David Miller, he hits the ball out of the ground. I’m excited to watch him back,” he added.
T20I Series Schedule
The five-match series begins in Cuttack and will continue in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamsala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17), and Ahmedabad (December 19).
“Last time I watched South Africa play India in a T20 was in a World Cup final in Barbados. It’s going to be a great thing to watch and very excited to be a part of it,” Steyn concluded.