New Delhi: Ahead of India’s squad announcement for the five-match T20 series against South Africa on Wednesday (December 3), Team India has received a major boost. Star opener and T20 vice-captain Shubman Gill has fully recovered from the neck injury he suffered during the Kolkata Test and has reportedly cleared the fitness test.
According to a senior BCCI source quoted in media reports, Gill is now fit to join the T20 squad and is expected to take his place as vice-captain for the series.
Injury During Kolkata Test, Recovery at BCCI Centre of Excellence
Gill sustained a neck strain while batting during the Kolkata Test. After travelling with the team to Guwahati for the second Test, he was declared unfit and sent to Mumbai for treatment. On December 1, he checked into the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to undergo a detailed fitness assessment.
Reports indicate that Gill has participated in multiple batting sessions at the CoE and gradually increased his workload. The medical team has also added fielding and catching drills to his schedule. While full clearance for match participation is expected soon, no red flags have been raised so far, and Gill may enter match-simulation drills within the next 48 hours.
May Miss Opening Match, Return From Game 2 or 3
Some reports suggest that although Gill is fit, he may not feature in the opening T20 on December 9 in Cuttack. Instead, he might rejoin the playing XI from the second or third match, depending on the recommendations of the medical team.
A BCCI source confirmed to PTI:
“Gill has completely recovered and will return to the squad as vice-captain.”
The source, however, did not specify his availability for the first match.
Gill currently leads India in Tests and ODIs, while Suryakumar Yadav remains the captain of the T20 side.
‘Rider Player’ Likely to Be Named
According to The Times of India, selectors may include an additional player as a ‘rider’ for Gill — someone who can step in if Gill fails to prove full match fitness at the last moment.
The likely option for this role is Yashasvi Jaiswal, though India already have two openers in Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma.
The Senior Selection Committee led by Ajit Agarkar has reportedly been fully briefed on Gill’s fitness progress and sees no hindrance in his selection.
Team India will be looking to begin the South Africa T20 series with a settled squad, and Gill’s return is a welcome sign ahead of a crucial white-ball season.
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