Shubman Gill has been declared fit and cleared to join Team India for the South Africa T20I series, providing major relief ahead of the high-profile tour. (Image Credit: X/ @ImTanujSingh)
Shubman Gill, captain of India in Tests and ODIs, has finally got the all-clear to return to action after completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. His availability has come as a massive boost for India ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa.
Gill hurt his neck while batting in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata and had to retire hurt in the first innings, taking no further part in the match. The injury also forced him to sit out of the second Test, which India went on to lose, thus losing the series 2–0.
He had already been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series, missing all three matches.
Following the neck scare, Gill went through a structured rehabilitation programme at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, undergoing physiotherapy and strength conditioning before finally completing unrestricted batting sessions and being assessed by the medical team.
With no discomfort or mobility issues remaining, he received the fitness certificate that clears him to play in all formats.
Gill has been named the vice-captain for India's five-match T20I series against South Africa. He is expected to walk straight into the XI for the first T20I on December 9 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack following confirmation of his fitness.
His return becomes very important, considering that India has been focusing on stabilising the top order in T20Is.
As vice-captain, Gill will be Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy and one of the most influential voices in the dressing room.
He is expected to take a top-order role on the field. On different occasions, India might use him either as an opener or at No. 3—positions he has excelled in over the last two years.
Gill's return strengthens the batting depth and leadership group for India considerably.
With Hardik Pandya returning from injury, too, India suddenly has both experience and stability restored in their lineup.
For a team reshaping its T20 identity ahead of key tournaments next year, Gill's comeback brings clarity and confidence in equal measure.
| Match | Date | Day | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | December 9 | Tuesday | Cuttack |
| 2nd T20I | December 11 | Thursday | Mullanpur |
| 3rd T20I | December 14 | Sunday | Dharamsala |
| 4th T20I | December 17 | Wednesday | Lucknow |
| 5th T20I | December 19 | Friday | Ahmedabad |
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar
