Shubman Gill, captain of India’s Test and ODI teams, will start his rehabilitation this week at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Gill sustained a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata last month and has been ruled out of the ongoing three-match ODI series.
The BCCI has confirmed that, as on this date, there are no red flags in his recovery. Gill has been successfully cleared to travel across cities – Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai and Chandigarh without any sort of discomfort, which is seen as a positive sign in his rehabilitation.
How serious was the Shubman Gill Neck Injury?
Gill had picked up the injury on the second day of the Kolkata Test and was hospitalised for tests, after which he underwent physiotherapy sessions in Mumbai and was subsequently advised rest before commencing formal rehabilitation.
The injury was serious enough to keep him out of India’s ongoing ODI series against South Africa. India has coped without him so far, under the captaincy of KL Rahul, but he is an integral part of their all-format plans.
What kind of Rehab will Shubman Gill undergo?
According to reports, Gill will begin his rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence, gradually working towards gaining full strength and flexibility in his neck. The BCCI has underscored that his comeback will not be rushed.
“He will be back with the squad the moment he is 100% and feels ready for the grind. He is an important all-format player, and everybody wants him to be absolutely ready,” a source revealed. His rehab will involve physiotherapy, controlled net sessions, and monitored fitness drills to ensure he can return to competitive cricket without risk.
When will Shubman Gill Play Again?
With the current rehabilitation plan in place, Gill could be in time to join the Indian team for their upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. However, the team management is being extra cautious and will only reintegrate him when he has full confidence in his fitness.
Shubman Gill’s absence has indeed been felt in the ODI series. India managed to win the first ODI in Ranchi by 17 runs with Virat Kohli scoring a century while Rohit Sharma contributed an important fifty. The second ODI will be played in Raipur on Wednesday, with KL Rahul continuing to lead the team in Gill’s absence.
Who Else Is Missing From India’s Squad?
India is also without middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who is recovering from a near-fatal injury sustained while fielding in an ODI during Australia’s tour. Bowling coach Morne Morkel recently confirmed that Iyer has started his rehabilitation, too.
While the return of both Gill and Iyer will be welcomed, India would want to strengthen their batting resources for the T20I series as well as for tours later in the year. Player safety is understandably the management’s priority, hence key performers are only being pressed into service when they are fully fit.
