In a major blow for India, Shubman Gill has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa after suffering a neck injury during the first Test. According to reports, the right-handed batsman’s participation in the five-match T20 series against the Proteas is also uncertain.
Shubman Gill walked out after playing just three balls in the first innings at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The young batsman suffered neck cramps after playing a sweep shot. The medical staff took him to a private hospital and he did not come to bat again. India failed to chase the target of 124 runs and lost by 30 runs.
He was discharged from the hospital after the match. The BCCI confirmed that he will be further assessed in Mumbai to assess the severity of the issue. Gill traveled with the team to Guwahati but was not included in the final eleven.
Shubman Gill ruled out of ODI series against South Africa
According to a report in Times of India, on the recommendation of Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Shubman Gill has been advised to extend the recovery period. His condition will be assessed again next week to ascertain his progress.
A BCCI official confirmed that Gill will not feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. Medical experts have recommended additional rest and the board’s medical team will continue to monitor him closely.
“Unfortunately Gill will not be available for selection for the three ODIs against South Africa. He has been advised more rest by the experts and the BCCI medical team will continue to monitor him,” a BCCI official said.
Shubman Gill’s neck problem shows no improvement
According to the internal mail received by Sports Tak, Shubman Gill’s neck problem has not improved. He recently received an injection, but doctors have advised him to rest before starting rehabilitation, conditioning or skill-based training.
Spine specialist Dr Abhay Nene examined Gill in Mumbai and confirmed that the batsman will not be able to recover in time for the upcoming ODI series. Gill is unavailable for the South Africa ODIs while his recovery continues under medical supervision.
“Dear Mr. Agarkar, Shubman consulted spine specialist Dr. Abhay Nene in Mumbai yesterday. He has had an injection to alleviate his symptoms and will require a period of rest before resuming rehabilitation, training and skill activity. Therefore, he has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against South Africa,” the mail quoted Sports Tak as saying.
Shubman Gill is doubtful to play in T20 series against South Africa
Shubman Gill may also miss the T20 series against South Africa. The opening batsman will not be able to play in the ODI series, due to which the selectors will have to look for a temporary captain. KL Rahul is currently the frontrunner in the race for captaincy, along with him Rishabh Pant is also being considered.
The BCCI will announce India’s squad for both formats after the selection meeting in Mumbai on November 23. The ODI series is scheduled for November 30, December 3 and December 6, followed by five T20 matches on December 9, 11, 14, 17 and 19.
Gill was appointed ODI captain for the season. Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also recovering from an injury sustained in the last ODI against Australia and is expected to be ruled out of the entire home series.
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