In a major boost for India ahead of their upcoming assignment, Shubman Gill is reportedly poised to return to competitive cricket in the five-match T20I series against South Africa.
According to a report from News18, the young opener has received medical clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after completing a structured rehabilitation programme following a neck injury.
A communication from the CoE sent to the Sports Science and Medicine (SSM) unit confirmed his readiness, stating: "Shubman Gill has successfully completed his rehabilitation at CoE and has met the requisite criteria to be declared fit for all formats of the game. "
Gill sustained the injury last month during the Kolkata Test against South Africa. While
attempting a slog sweep, the India captain aggravated his neck, forcing him to withdraw mid-match. He was taken to a hospital and later advised rest after consultation with a specialist in Mumbai. The setback ruled him out of the remainder of the Test series, which India went on to lose 0-2.
The injury also kept him out of the ongoing ODI series, but with his medical clearance now reportedly confirmed, Gill is expected to join the T20I squad. His inclusion earlier was subject to passing the final fitness evaluation, which he has now fulfilled, as per the News18 report.
The T20I series begins on December 9 in Cuttack, and Gill's comeback adds stability to India's top order ahead of a packed calendar. The squad will also mark Hardik Pandya's return to international cricket after recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup earlier this year. Pandya recently made a promising return in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 77 against Punjab.
Meanwhile, Rinku Singh and Nitish Reddy have missed out on selection for this series as the selectors reshaped the squad structure.
With Gill back in contention and several returning names strengthening the lineup, the upcoming T20Is promise renewed intensity as India prepare to reset after recent Test and ODI challenges.
