India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is inching closer to a comeback as he begins his rehabilitation program at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Gill, who missed the ongoing ODI series against South Africa due to a neck injury, is expected to slowly return to batting later this week.
Rehabilitation Begins in Bengaluru
Gill has not played since suffering the injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test, an incident that required hospitalisation. He completed physiotherapy sessions in Mumbai and was advised rest before starting his official rehab phase, which begins today.
According to a report, the early signs are positive. Gill has travelled across multiple cities — Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and now Bengaluru — without any discomfort.
A BCCI source told TOI:
“There are no red flags. The focus is on getting him back on the field, but nothing will be rushed.”
Expected to Start Batting Soon
Gill hasn’t touched the bat since the injury, but the medical team expects him to begin light batting practice in the coming days. His availability for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa will depend entirely on his recovery progress.
The source added:
“The moment he feels 100% ready for the workload, he’ll rejoin the squad. He’s a key all-format player, so everyone wants him fully fit.”
India Coping With Key Absences
In Gill’s absence, KL Rahul is leading India in the ODI series, starting with a 17-run win in Ranchi where Virat Kohli scored a century and Rohit Sharma struck a solid fifty. The second ODI will take place in Raipur on Wednesday.
India are also without Shreyas Iyer, who is recovering from a serious injury suffered while fielding during an ODI in Australia. Bowling coach Morne Morkel recently confirmed that Iyer has begun his rehabilitation as well.
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