Shubman Gill Injury Update: Final Fitness Test on Dec 5 to Decide Availability for SA T20Is

India opener Shubman Gill is steadily progressing in his rehabilitation from a neck injury, with his availability for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa likely to be decided after a critical Return to Play (RTP) match scheduled for December 5.

Gill has already completed one unrestricted batting session at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) and showed no signs of discomfort, giving the medical staff positive early indications. He will now move into advanced batting drills and ground-conditioning sessions over the next few days as part of his structured recovery plan.

His final RTP match will determine whether he can feature in the T20I series beginning December 9. While his selection is still subject to medical clearance, there is optimism that Gill may be available for the last two or three matches of the series depending on his progress.

Team management is monitoring his recovery closely, given Gill’s importance ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Gill suffered the neck injury during the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens while attempting a sweep shot. He was retired hurt, briefly hospitalised, and later ruled out of the remainder of the Test series as well as the ODIs.

Hardik Pandya Set to Return

Meanwhile, the upcoming selection meeting is expected to confirm the return of Hardik Pandya, who has recovered from the quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup.

Hardik showcased full match readiness in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he delivered a player-of-the-match performance against Punjab, boosting India’s all-round depth ahead of the World Cup.

The selectors are expected to finalise the T20I squad after assessing Gill’s final fitness report.