Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn believes that Shubman Gill’s return to the Indian T20I setup will increase anticipation for the upcoming T20I series between India and South Africa.
India won the ODI series and after a resounding win they will move on to play a T20I series against the runners-up of the ICC T20 World Cup. South Africa have emerged from a disappointing T20 series loss to Pakistan while India are full of confidence after their win against Australia.
Shubman Gill’s comeback will definitely leave Indian fans excited
After missing the ODI and Test series, Indian T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill has returned to the T20I series after recovering from a neck injury. The Indian fans missed the captain and Dale Steyn feels that his return will definitely give a ray of hope to the Indian fans.
“It feels like he’s back in India, so every fan in India is very excited to have him back,” Steyn was quoted as saying.
Apart from Shubman Gill, veteran all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also likely to return to the Indian team after recovering from his quadriceps injury suffered during the Asia Cup 2025.
Dale Steyn is excited to see David Miller play for South Africa
Dale Steyn is even more excited by the return of veteran South African batsman David Miller, who has been his gray slave for years. Miller is no longer a regular player in the ODI team as they are looking to include new players like Dewald Brewis.
“He’s back for South Africa. Big hit on David Miller, he hits the ball out of the ground. I’m excited to see him back,” Steyn said.
David Miller has been ruled out of the Pakistan T20I series with a grade one type hamstring injury and will return for the India tour. This could also be their audition for the IPL mini-auction.
The last time India and South Africa met in T20I was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
India last played a T20 series in Australia and won the series 2-1 after two matches were washed out by rain. However, South Africa suffered a heavy defeat in the T20Is against Pakistan, although they did not play with their A grade team.
The last time India and South Africa met in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, it was a memorable day in the history of men’s cricket.
Steyn also concluded, “The last time I saw South Africa play India in a T20, it was in the World Cup final in Barbados. It will be a fantastic thing to watch and I’m very excited to be a part of it.”
The first match of the South Africa series will be held in Cuttack, after which India and South Africa will play T20 matches in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamshala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17) and Ahmedabad (December 19).
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