In a major development for the Indian cricket team, star batter Shubman Gill has reportedly been given the “fitness clearance” by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, paving the way for his immediate return to action.
Gill, who is also India’s vice-captain in T20Is, is now available to join the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, which begins on December 9 in Cuttack.
Injury and Rehab
Gill sustained a neck injury while attempting a slog sweep during India’s first innings of the opening Test against South Africa in Kolkata last month. He was immediately hospitalized and subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the Test, the second Test in Guwahati (which India lost), and the ongoing three-match ODI series.
Following specialist consultation in Mumbai, the ODI and Test captain underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI’s CoE, where he has reportedly shown encouraging signs of recovery, including resuming batting sessions. His inclusion in the 15-man T20I squad announced earlier this week was contingent on this final fitness clearance.
Joining the T20I Campaign
With the medical team now satisfied with his recovery, Gill will link up with the national squad ahead of the first T20I at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
His return is a crucial boost for the team, which is currently being led by Suryakumar Yadav in the T20I format. Gill will be taking up his role as vice-captain for the series, which is scheduled as follows:
| Match | Date | Venue |
| 1st T20I | December 9 | Cuttack |
| 2nd T20I | December 11 | New Chandigarh |
| 3rd T20I | December 14 | Dharamsala |
| 4th T20I | December 17 | Lucknow |
| 5th T20I | December 19 | Ahmedabad |