There is still uncertainty about whether Shubman Gill will be fit for the upcoming five-match T20 series against South Africa starting on December 9. Gill, who has led Team India in Tests and ODIs, is expected to reach the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru for medical evaluation after suffering a neck injury.
This star batsman is not a part of the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. He suffered a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata and was taken to hospital for treatment. Gill missed the second test. He underwent physiotherapy in Mumbai and was advised rest before starting rehabilitation.
Shubman Gill has been out of the field since the second day of the first Test in Kolkata.
Shubman Gill has been out of action since the second day of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, where he faced only three balls before being forced to retire hurt due to neck spasms.
With Gill unavailable, KL Rahul has taken over the captaincy for the three-match ODI series. India are also without Shreyas Iyer, who is recovering from a serious spleen injury suffered while fielding in Australia. Bowling coach Morne Morkel had recently confirmed that Iyer has started his rehabilitation.
India started the series with a 17-run win in a high-scoring game in Ranchi. Virat Kohli scored a century, while Rohit Sharma contributed a half-century. The second ODI is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, December 3 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
Shubman Gill likely to miss first two T20 matches against South Africa
With the T20I series just a week away, Shubman Gill’s fitness will be assessed over the next few days before India finalize their squad for the five-match contest against South Africa.
RevSportz reported that Gill is almost certain to be available for the last three T20Is, while his chances of playing in the first two will depend on how he performs in the fitness test at the Center of Excellence.
Subhayan Chakraborty wrote, “The last 3 T20Is are a big possibility for Shubhman Gill. The first 2 T20Is will depend on how his fitness test goes at the CoE today and tomorrow.”
There is a lot of possibility for Shubman Gill in the last 3 T20Is. The first 2 T20Is will depend on how his fitness test goes at the COE today and tomorrow.
– Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) 2 December 2025
Meanwhile, the selection meeting for the series is scheduled to be held in Raipur, where chief selector Ajit Agarkar is expected to be present.
“The team selection for the upcoming T20 series against South Africa will be held in Raipur. Selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar will be in Raipur for this reason.” Debasis Sen said.
The team selection for the upcoming T20 series against South Africa will be held in Raipur. Selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar will remain in Raipur in this connection.
-Debassissen (@debassissen) 2 December 2025
Hardik Pandya likely to return in South Africa T20I
India are likely to have Hardik Pandya back for the upcoming T20 series as he has been cleared to return to the format. He made his comeback in Baroda’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Punjab in Hyderabad, his first game in almost two and a half months.
Hardik had to struggle with the ball and gave away 52 runs in four overs. However, he compensated for this with the bat. Hardik scored unbeaten 77 runs in 42 balls and completed the chase by hitting three consecutive sixes and gave Baroda a win by seven wickets with five balls to spare.
This all-rounder is also likely to play in the upcoming match against Gujarat on 4th December. Pandya bowling and batting without any problem is a positive sign for the home team.
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