Team India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is close to a comeback after spending several weeks recovering from a neck injury suffered during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. Gill is likely to be available for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, “subject to fitness.”
Gill was forced to retire hurt during the first innings of the Kolkata Test. He then missed the Guwahati match as well as the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa. He later met a spine specialist in Mumbai and is expected to return soon after rehabilitation in Bengaluru.
Shubhman Gill making good progress in rehabilitation at BCCI’s Center of Excellence
According to a report in Times of India, Shubman Gill has been continuously working towards full match fitness at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he reached on December 1. He is following a structured rehab plan specifically designed for his neck injury.
Gill has already completed several batting sessions to check his pain levels, movement and stamina. Early signs have been positive, allowing support staff to gradually increase their workload. He has also started practicing fielding and catching.
The COE medical team is being cautious and don’t want to rush him back, especially with big tournaments ahead. His priority is to ensure that Gill returns only when he is completely ready and is not at risk of further injury.
Shubman Gill still awaits official approval from BCCI Center of Excellence
The report further adds that Shubman Gill is still awaiting official approval from the BCCI Center of Excellence, which should come within the next 48 hours after completing the match-simulation test.
However, he has not shown any discomfort during his recent batting sessions. He is expected to join the Indian team in Cuttack on December 6 for the T20 series against South Africa.
The selectors, including chief Ajit Agarkar, have already been informed about his recovery, and Gill is almost certain to be named in the squad with the usual tag “subject to fitness”. If there is even the slightest concern, Gill may miss the first T20 match, but this possibility is unlikely at this stage.
Selectors ready to finalize India’s T20 squad for South Africa series
The selectors are expected to meet on Wednesday to finalize the T20 squad for the home series against South Africa. Notably, the board may make an announcement within the next 24 hours.
Along with Shubman Gill, the focus will also be on Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah was rested after the Test series, while Hardik was asked to prove his fitness in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after a two-month injury layoff.
Hardik impressed in his recent SMAT outing against Punjab. The T20I series is scheduled to begin after the current ODI stage, which begins on December 7 at the Barabati Stadium.
Also read: Umran Malik turns cocky, claims he has what only a few Indian bowlers have