Two days before the series opener, Morkel offered an important update on the fitness of the two senior batters, noting that both are progressing well and that the entire management is eager to have them back in the team.
Gill, India’s Test and ODI skipper, sustained a neck injury during the first Test of the two-match series against South Africa. After facing just three balls, he experienced neck pain after a sweep shot off Simon Harmer’s bowling.
Gill was hospitalised and ruled out of the second Test. The two-Test series ended in humiliation for India as South Africa completed a clean sweep, beating the hosts by 408 runs in the second Test at Guwahati, their first series victory on Indian soil in 25 years.
Shreyas, meanwhile, suffered a serious injury in the third ODI against Australia after completing a diving catch off Harshit Rana’s bowling. The impact caused a blunt abdominal injury, resulting in a lacerated spleen and internal bleeding.
Iyer underwent surgery in Sydney and has since been discharged from the hospital.
“I think the best is for the medical to give that. I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him and he is recovering well. So that is pleasing to hear,” Morkel said while speaking to the media.
“Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So yeah, we are looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. And the good thing is that they are healthy and they are starting their preparation on their way back into the team,” Morkel added.
