There is no obstacle to Shubman Gill’s participation in Indian Cricket Team five-match T20 series against South Africa. Until Friday, his injury had raised concerns among Indian cricket fans, but after receiving a fitness certificate from the BCCI’s Sports Science Team, all doubts have now been cleared.
প্রোটিয়া ভয়ে কাঁপছে! ভারতীয় দলে ফিরছেন এই বিধ্বংসী ব্যাটার
Shubman Gill could not play in the last ODI series against South Africa. He experienced neck pain during the Eden Test, due to which he could not bat in the second innings and was later taken to the hospital. He also missed the Guwahati match. Although he was included in the T20 squad during his rehab, clearance from the Centre of Excellence was essential for him to start playing again. He received that certificate on Saturday, which means he is fully ready for the series starting on 9 December.
The BCCI Sports Science Team includes physio Kamlesh Jain, strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, and sports medicine specialist Charles. They confirmed: “Shubman Gill has completed all rehabilitation activities. He is ready for all formats and has met every requirement to return to the field.”
For South Africa, injuries have come as a big blow. Reliable batter Tony de Zorzi could not play in the third ODI and will also miss the T20 series. Pacer Kwena Maphaka has not recovered from his hamstring injury. Lutho Sipamla has been called up to the Proteas squad as his replacement.
For India, Shubman Gill’s fitness clearance is a big relief. He will open the innings with Abhishek Sharma. Along with him, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah have also returned to full fitness. Hardik, who got injured before the Asia Cup final, scored 77 runs in a domestic T20 match and has been included in the T20 squad. Bumrah, who was rested during the ODI series, will also return for the T20s.
The India–South Africa ODI series has been evenly contested so far. India won the first ODI in Ranchi, South Africa levelled the series in Raipur, and the final ODI in Visakhapatnam has intensified the excitement even further. Now, all eyes are on Shubman Gill’s form.