Hardik has been out of action since September after injuring his quadriceps during the final group match against Sri Lanka in the 2025 Asia Cup. He is set to return to international cricket in the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, which begins on December 9 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
“Hardik Pandya’s role will be the most crucial for India in T20s and at the World Cup. Him and the second finisher playing alongside him will be the biggest influencers in whether India lift the trophy again,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
Irfan Pathan Opens Up on Rinku Singh’s Omission from South Africa T20Is
Irfan Pathan also spoke about Rinku Singh’s omission from India’s T20I squad for the South Africa series. Pathan said the decision was disappointing but not surprising, adding that India are likely to take most of the current group into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Shubman Gill Returns for South Africa T20Is, Subject to Fitness Clearance
Rinku Singh missed out on the T20I squad because Hardik Pandya returned to the team. With Hardik's return as a finisher and all-rounder, it became difficult to find a place for Rinku, who has done well whenever he got a chance.
The selectors preferred Washington Sundar over Rinku, as head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav want more all-round options in the team.
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