Fifth and final T20I between India And South Africa After the ouster of India’s vice-captain, large-scale personnel shifting has started at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Shubman Gill,
Shubman Gill has been dropped for the T20 series decider between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad.
Captain during the toss on 19 December 2025 Suryakumar Yadav It was confirmed that the star opener will miss the series final due to an injury sustained during the practice session in Lucknow. With India leading the five-match series 2-1, this final encounter has turned into a high-stakes audition for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, as the team management searches for alternative opening combinations. Gill’s absence paves the way for a comeback Sanju Samson. As captain of South Africa aiden markram Having won the toss and elected to bowl, both teams made several changes to their playing eleven, reflecting a mix of tactical rotations and injury-forced adjustments.
“Gil suffered something in Lucknow, so Sanju came,” Suryakumar said during the toss.
BCCI confirms captain Suryakumar Yadav’s update on Gill
The official reason for Gill’s absence from the decider in Ahmedabad is a right leg injury, which was confirmed by the BCCI medical team immediately after the toss. Providing clarity on the situation, BCCI said, “Shubman Gill suffered a right leg injury while batting in the nets in Lucknow on December 16; his condition is improving but he is not available for selection.” While injury is the immediate cause, Gill’s exclusion comes amid a significant statistical decline that has seen the 25-year-old struggle to justify his promotion to vice-captaincy.
ππ©ππΈππ€: Shubman Gill got injured in his right leg while batting in the nets in Lucknow on 16 December.
After consulting a specialist and receiving treatment from the BCCI medical team, his condition is improving but he will not be available for selection for the final.
β BCCI (@BCCI) 19 December 2025
In 15 T20I innings in 2025, Gill has managed only 291 runs at a weak average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, failing to register a single fifty-plus score since July 2024. This “lean patch” has coincided with difficult tours of Australia and the ongoing home rubber, where he has consistently failed to provide the explosive starts required in the modern T20 format. With the 2026 T20 World Cup just two months away, this forced break could actually serve as a reset for Gill, although it simultaneously allows rivals like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to stake a claim for his starting spot.
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Important changes in the team for India and South Africa in the 5th T20I
Apart from Gill’s headline-grabbing absence, both India and South Africa have opted to make significant tactical adjustments to take advantage of the unique conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Local hero returns for hosts Jasprit Bumrah In place of Harshit Rana Stands out as the most impressive change, as the premier pace bowler has returned to his home city to strengthen the attack.
Apart from this, changes were also seen in the spin department. washington beautiful In place of -Kuldeep YadavThe move was probably influenced by Sundar’s in-depth knowledge of the track Gujarat Titans His ability to bowl regularly and lengthen the batting order. South Africa also made a deliberate adjustment by bringing in a spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde for the express speed of Enrique NortjeThis shows that the Proteas expect the pitch to provide grip and turn as the game progresses. Captain Markram highlighted the importance of the toss and decided to bowl first to take advantage of the anticipated dew factor, which often troubles the second bowling team in Ahmedabad.
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