It is reported that Shubman Gill, vice-captain of India’s T20I, was given the go-ahead to return to competitive cricket and is therefore likely to feature in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. The BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) internal communication reveals that Gill has completed his rehab and met all the Return to Play (RTP) norms after a neck injury during the Kolkata Test.
Gill underwent rehabilitation at the CoE
Gill suffered an injury due to a whipping movement on the second day of the Kolkata Test, which led to him being admitted to the hospital for observation and treatment. He was kept under observation for a couple of days and an injection was given to him for pain and inflammation control. After being disqualified from the ongoing ODI series, the opener decided to work on his rehab full-time at the CoE.
The SSM team—physio Kamlesh Jain, strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, and sports doctor Dr. Charles—were responsible for Gill’s recovery. According to news, the CoE dispatched a comprehensive report to the SSM unit confirming that Gill had fulfilled all the requirements to be declared fit in all formats.
The internal communication reportedly read:
“Shubman Gill has not only completed his CoE rehabilitation but also meets all the fitness requirements that he can be declared fit for any format of the game.”
Gill was completing his return-to-play protocols
Gill was only conditionally included in the T20I squad against South Africa, with a fitness test to follow. He had to follow an extremely rigorous RTP program formulated by the BCCI medical and sports science department for this purpose.
This comprised the stages of:
Restoration of movement and mobility
Rebuilding of strength
Gradual management of workload
Batting practice and high nets session
Fielding drills involving dynamic movements
Match-simulation drills
Insiders reveal that Gill went through all the skill-based modules, including reaction drills, slip-catching sessions, deep-field high-ball practice, and extended batting simulations. His capacity to keep up the intensity without any discomfort was instrumental in him getting the final nod.
Shift of emphasis to T20Is against South Africa
While Gill was not available for the ODI series, the timing of his rehab now puts him very much in the running for the T20Is, which are crucial in India’s journey to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Only players named in the T20I squad will gather in Cuttack on Saturday. The first training session is set for Sunday, where Gill is anticipated to be there and pick up with full team activities.
The team management is said to be very happy with the quick recuperation of the opener. They see him not only as the vice-captain but also as a key player in India’s T20 batting lineup. Gill’s good form and ability to adapt at the top will be vital when India tries to cement a stable opening partnership.
Gill’s Functions in the Next Series
With some of the senior players being rotated or rested, Gill’s presence offers the young Indian team both experience and stability. As vice-captain, Gill’s leadership has been the management’s positive observation while his tactical awareness has been their praise.
In case he comes back in good shape, Gill will be the one to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad thus allowing India to have a strong and aggressive base to tackle South Africa’s fast bowling brigade.
An Appropriate Boost for India
Gill’s obtaining the fitness clearance is a great relief for India before a tough white-ball series against South Africa. Gill will be the one to strengthen India’s top order while he will at the same time, enhance the team’s overall balance.
As the T20Is are going to be an extremely important platform for the assessment of form and combinations ahead of big tournaments, Gill’s return could hardly have come at a better time for him and Team India.
