There is still uncertainty about whether Shubman Gill will be fit for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa starting on December 9. Gill, who leads Team India in Tests and ODIs, is expected to arrive at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a medical assessment following a neck injury.
The star batter is not part of the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. He suffered a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Gill went on to miss the second Test. He underwent physiotherapy in Mumbai and was advised to rest before beginning his rehabilitation.
Shubman Gill Out of Action Since Day 2 of the First Test in Kolkata
Shubman Gill has been out of action since Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, where he faced only three balls before a neck spasm forced him to retire hurt.
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With Gill unavailable, KL Rahul has taken over the captaincy for the three-match ODI leg. India are also without Shreyas Iyer, who is recovering from a serious spleen injury suffered while fielding in Australia. Bowling coach Morne Morkel recently confirmed that Iyer has begun his rehabilitation.
India started the series with a 17-run win in a high-scoring game in Ranchi. Virat Kohli scored a century, while Rohit Sharma contributed a half-century. The second ODI is scheduled to take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3.
Shubman Gill Likely to Miss First Two T20Is Against South Africa
With the T20I series just a week away, Shubman Gill’s fitness will be evaluated over the next couple of days before India finalizes their squad for the five-match contest against South Africa.
RevSportz reported that Gill is almost certain to be available for the last three T20Is, while his chances of playing the first two will depend on how he performs in the fitness tests at the Centre of Excellence.
“Last 3 T20Is is very likely for Shubman Gill. First 2 T20Is will depend on how his fitness tests go at the CoE, today and tomorrow,” Subhayan Chakraborty wrote.
Last 3 T20Is is very likely for Shubman Gill. First 2 T20Is will depend on how his fitness tests go at the CoE, today and tomorrow.
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) December 2, 2025
Meanwhile, the selection meeting for the series is set to take place in Raipur, where chief selector Ajit Agarkar is expected to be present.
“Team selection for upcoming T20I series against South Africa will be held in Raipur. Chairman of selection committee Ajit Agarkar will be in Raipur for that reason,” Debasis Sen stated.
Team selection for upcoming T20I series against South Africa will be held in Raipur. Chairman of selection committee Ajit Agarkar will be in Raipur for that reason.
— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) December 2, 2025
Hardik Pandya Likely to Make Comeback in South Africa T20Is
India are likely to have Hardik Pandya back for the upcoming T20I series, as he has received clearance to return to the format. He made his comeback in Baroda’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Punjab in Hyderabad, his first game in nearly two and a half months.
With the ball, Hardik struggled and ended up conceding 52 runs in four overs. However, he made up for it with the bat. Hardik smashed an unbeaten 77 off 42 deliveries and finished the chase by striking three consecutive sixes, guiding Baroda to a seven-wicket win with five balls remaining.
The all-rounder is also likely to play the upcoming December 4 fixture against Gujarat. Pandya’s bowling and batting without any discomfort is a positive sign for the home team.
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