Shubman Gill declared fit, set to return for South Africa T20Is

India has received a major boost ahead of the T20I series against South Africa, with star opener and vice-captain Shubman Gill officially declared fit to play. The BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) cleared him after completing an intensive rehabilitation programme, marking his full recovery from a whiplash injury suffered during the Kolkata Test.

Gill was named in the T20I squad on a conditional basis pending a final fitness assessment, as the neck injury had kept him out of the ongoing ODI series. However, after thorough evaluation, those concerns have been put to rest. The 25-year-old successfully passed all rehabilitation stages, including strength and neck-mobility tests, along with match-simulation training.

He also participated in high-intensity batting and fielding drills, convincing the CoE’s Sports Science team of his readiness for top-level competition. In a formal communication to the Indian team’s Sports Science and Medicine unit—physio Kamlesh Jain, S&C coach Adrian Le Roux, and team doctor Dr. Charles, the CoE confirmed that Gill has “met all requisite criteria” for full-format availability.

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Gill’s return is timely for India, especially with key white-ball assignments and global tournaments approaching. His presence at the top and in leadership makes him integral to India's T20 plans.

All T20I-specific players will assemble in Cuttack on Saturday, with training beginning the following day. Gill will join the squad and is expected to participate fully in preparations before the opening T20I.

With the young opener cleared, India enters the South Africa series with added confidence and near-full strength—ideal conditions as the team sharpens combinations and builds momentum.