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Shubman Gill nears full recovery from a neck injury at BCCI Centre of Excellence and should rejoin India’s squad in Cuttack by December 6, pending match-simulation clearance.
India’s T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill (AP)
Shubman Gill is on the verge of his highly anticipated comeback as he nears full recovery from a neck injury that kept him out for several weeks. India’s ODI and Test skipper has been sidelined since sustaining the injury through the 1st Test against South Africa in Kolkata.
As per a report in TOI, he has been steadily working towards match readiness.
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Gill arrived on the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on December 1, where he began a structured rehabilitation programme tailored to his condition. Prior to now few days, Gill has participated in multiple batting sessions to judge his pain response, mobility, and endurance. These sessions have reportedly gone well, enabling the medical and training staff to progressively increase his workload. Besides batting, his regimen now includes fielding and catching drills. The specialists on the CoE are taking a cautious yet optimistic approach, understanding the importance of Gill’s role within the upcoming series and future assignments. Their essential priority is ensuring he returns only when fully ready, without risking further injury.
When Will Gill Return For India?
Although signs are encouraging, Gill has not yet been given his Return to Play (RTP) clearance. This decision will rely upon an imminent match-simulation exercise scheduled inside the subsequent 48 hours. If this session goes without issues, Gill is anticipated to receive the ultimate go-ahead and will join the national squad in Cuttack as early as December 6, provided there are not any unexpected setbacks.
The choice panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, has been informed of Gill’s progress, and his name is about to feature in India’s T20I squad announcement, with the usual condition: “subject to fitness.”
While the team management doesn’t foresee major concerns, they’re prepared for contingencies. If there’s any doubt about rushing him back, Gill might sit out the opening match of the series. Nonetheless, this seems unlikely at this stage.
His injury through the first innings of the Kolkata Test forced him to miss the next Guwahati fixture in addition to the continued three-match ODI series against South Africa.
After consulting a spine specialist in Mumbai, he was advised to rest, resulting in his temporary withdrawal from competition. Now, along with his rehabilitation on target, Gill’s return seems only a matter of timing.
Concerning the Writer
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket cont…Read More
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