Shubman Gill set to miss South Africa ODI series: Details
What's the story
Indian cricket is facing a major leadership crisis as ODI captain Shubman Gill will miss the upcoming three-match series against South Africa. The series starts on November 30, and with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer already missing in action for a long time, India will be without both their captain and vice-captain. As per The Times of India, Gill has been ruled out of the ODI series.
Recovery update
Gill's recovery and potential return for T20I series
Gill, who had traveled from Guwahati to Mumbai on November 21, is missing the second Test against South Africa. He has been advised more rest by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala. The 24-year-old is expected to be fit for the five-match T20I series against South Africa starting December 9. A fresh assessment will be done next week to check on his progress and chart the road ahead.
Official statement
BCCI official confirms Gill's unavailability for ODIs
A BCCI official confirmed that Gill will not be available for selection in the three ODIs against South Africa. "He has been advised more rest by the specialists and continues to be monitored by the BCCI medical team," said the official to The Times of India. In light of this, India's senior men's selection committee will have to form a temporary leadership group for these matches.
Leadership contenders
Possible candidates for India's temporary leadership group
With Gill and Iyer out, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and Rishabh Pant are among the top contenders for India's temporary leadership group. The selectors will meet in Guwahati in the coming days to finalize their decision. Despite not being a regular feature in ODIs, Pant is likely to be considered as part of this new approach aimed at balancing left-handed and right-handed batsmen in the middle order.
Injury
Kolkata Test: Shubman Gill retired hurt with injury
On November 15, Gill retired hurt during the first Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The incident occurred on Day 2 of the match when Gill suffered a neck strain while batting. He had just come to bat after Washington Sundar's dismissal in the 35th over and looked comfortable initially. However, things took a turn for the worse after he played a well-timed sweep shot off Simon Harmer's bowling. Gill didn't play any further role thereafter.