India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is expected to resume batting later this week as he begins rehabilitation from a neck injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, according to reports. Gill has been sidelined since injuring his neck during the Kolkata Test against South Africa last month.
The 26-year-old has missed the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa while continuing treatment and physiotherapy. He underwent sessions in Mumbai before being advised rest, and will now move into the next phase of his recovery under the supervision of the Board’s medical staff.
The development has sparked optimism that Gill could be fit in time for the forthcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, though the management is keen to proceed with caution.
“There are no red flags at the moment, and he has taken multiple flights, Kolkata to Guwahati, Guwahati to Mumbai, Mumbai to Chandigarh and now Chandigarh to Bengaluru – without any discomfort. All efforts right now are aimed at having him back on the park but it will not be a rushed process,” timesofindia.com quoted a source as saying.
Also read: Shubman Gill admitted to ICU; critical care panel set
Gill was hospitalised after sustaining the injury on the second day of the Kolkata Test and has not batted since. However, he is expected to begin light training before gradually returning to full-intensity drills.
“The moment he is 100% and feels ready for the grind, he will be back with the squad. He is an important all-format player, and everyone wants him to be absolutely ready,” the source added.
In his absence, KL Rahul is leading India in the ODI series, which opened with a 17-run win in Ranchi, driven by Virat Kohli’s century and a half-century from Rohit Sharma. The second ODI will be played in Raipur on Wednesday.
India are also without Shreyas Iyer, who is recovering from a near-fatal injury sustained while fielding during an ODI in Australia. Bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed that Iyer has begun rehabilitation.
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