India’s Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill might reach the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru a week before the T20I series against South Africa begins, according to a report in The Times of India.
Gill injured his neck during the first Test against the same opponents and was ruled out of the second Test and the ODI series.
Gill was unavailable for selection for the three-match ODI series against South Africa and according to the recovery plan outlined by spine specialist Dr Abhay Nene and the BCCI medical team, Gill will continue to rest before starting the next phase of his rehab at the
Centre of Excellence.As per the report, a decision on Gill’s T20I availability will take more time, with the team management all set to consider all options. As India’s T20I vice-captain, he remains a key part of the setup.
Gill’s schedule for the upcoming week is still being finalised. While he is expected to remain in Mumbai, there is a possibility he may travel to Chandigarh before flying to Bengaluru.
India are already without Gill in the ongoing second Test against South Africa and will be without him for the ODI series as well. While Rishabh Pant is leading the team in Guwahati, KL Rahul has been named captain for the three-match ODI series beginning later this month.
Chances of Gill playing the subsequent T20I series versus the South Africans, from December 9, look bleak as well.
As per reliable BCCI sources, Gill’s injury is not limited to neck spasm and will need extensive rest, prompting the team management to avoid any risk of rushing him back.
Gill, who suffered a whiplash while batting in the opening Test in Kolkata, missed the Guwahati Test because of the injury. He is in Mumbai, undergoing medical tests, including an MRI, to determine the extent of the damage.
