Shubman Gill set for return, strengthening case for South Africa T20I selection

Indian T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill is showing significant signs of improvement and is expected to return to action soon, most likely for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa beginning on December 9. The Indian Test and ODI captain, currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, has reportedly impressed the CoE management with his fitness progress, raising hopes of an imminent clearance to rejoin the national squad.

Gill has been batting for extended periods over the past few days without any visible discomfort. The selectors have been keen to assess not just his batting readiness but also his ability to field, given the physical demands of T20 cricket. As per indications from the CoE, Gill appears to have ticked both boxes successfully.

The squad for the series is yet to be officially announced, but Gill, who last featured on Day 2 of the Eden Gardens Test before being sidelined with neck spasms, is strongly expected to be included. While the exact match he will return in remains uncertain, his chances of featuring in the series are high, particularly with him being the designated vice-captain in the build-up to next year’s T20 World Cup.

The squad announcement is expected within the next day or two, possibly as early as Wednesday, December 3. Gill is scheduled to join the Indian squad in Bhubaneswar on December 7. Even if he misses the opening match in Cuttack, he is likely to be available for the remaining fixtures, which will be played on December 11 (New Chandigarh), December 14 (Dharamsala), December 17 (Lucknow), and December 19 (Ahmedabad).

Meanwhile, India’s ongoing multi-format campaign against South Africa has been mixed. The hosts suffered a 2-0 defeat in the Test series, losing in Kolkata and Guwahati, handing South Africa a historic away Test series win after 25 years. However, the momentum has shifted in the white-ball leg, with India currently leading the three-match ODI series 1-0 following a commanding win in Ranchi, courtesy of Virat Kohli’s century. The second ODI in Cuttack is underway, with India aiming to seal the series before turning focus to the T20Is.