Shubman Gill has checked in at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for fitness tests after hurting his neck in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata.
He felt pain right after playing a sweep shot off Simon Harmer. He was taken to a hospital for scans and was later ruled out of the remaining Tests and the ODI series.
The BCCI medical team has now given him an injection along with a 21 day rest plan. His recovery schedule includes strength work, mobility checks and gradual batting sessions.
Gill will need to clear movement tests and bat comfortably before doctors give him a full go ahead. A BCCI source said, “Nothing can be confirmed unless the team checks his movements in training and sees if he can bat freely.”
Right now, his availability for the five match T20I series against South Africa starting December 9 is unclear. Selectors are waiting for the COE report before making the final call.
In his absence, India have opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad. KL Rahul led the ODI side to a 17 run win where Virat Kohli scored a century and Kuldeep Yadav picked four wickets.
Gill is India’s captain in Tests and ODIs and the vice captain in T20Is. His fitness is key for team balance before the T20Is. If he needs more time, the management may continue with the current opening pair.