Gill returns for key series against South Africa before T20 World Cup

Shubman Gill is close to regaining complete fitness. India’s T20I vice-captain was named in the 15-member squad on Wednesday for the five-match series against South Africa that will serve as the final round of audition before the squad for next year’s World Cup is finalised.

- Rasesh Mandani

Gill's selection comes with a “subject to fitness” tag as he recovers from the neck injury he suffered during the Kolkata Test last month. The Test captain had travelled to Guwahati to try and regain fitness for the next Test but was hopelessly short of being fully fit.

He has featured in one batting session at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and did not show any discomfort. The plans for Gill to undergo more batting and ground conditioning sessions in the coming days before a final call is taken by Friday if he should be cleared to play the first T20I in Cuttack on November 9.

“It's important to be sure that there is no relapse because that could even keep him out longer. At the moment, his rehab has gone to plan,” a BCCI official said.

Gill's chance of taking an active part in the series is seen as bright with adequate time given for his injury to heal. The selectors have not named a backup opener. And should the batter require a few more days to be match ready, Sanju Samson would step up and partner Abhishek Sharma at the top.

Hardik is back