According to BCCI sources on Saturday, captain Shubman Gill will miss the next three-match ODI series against South Africa since his neck ailment is expected to take longer to recover.
While veteran Rohit Sharma is also on the team, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and senior player KL Rahul are in the running for temporary captaincy.
Gill’s chances of participating in the upcoming T20I series against the Proteas on December 9 appear to be slim.
Gill’s injury is more than just a neck spasm, according to trustworthy BCCI sources, and he will need a lot of rest. The team management wants to minimize the risk of rushing him back.
Gill missed the Guwahati Test because of a whiplash he sustained while batting in the first Test in Kolkata. To ascertain the extent of the damage, he is presently undergoing medical tests in Mumbai, including an MRI.
“All tests are being done to ascertain whether it is a muscular injury or a nerve-related niggle that requires more rest. As of now, selectors will be hoping he gets fit for the South Africa T20Is,” a PTI report quoted a BCCI source as saying.
Gill reportedly sought advice from Dr. Abhay Nene, a spinal injury specialist in Mumbai, and the results of the medical report were sent to Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors.
“Gill has been given an injection to alleviate his symptoms and will need a period of rest before starting rehab, training and skill work. There is every chance he could also be doubtful for the T20I series,” the BCCI source said.
Although Pant has only participated in one 50-over match in the previous year, he is a good candidate for captaincy because he is leading India in the second Test. Rahul, however, continues to be the preferred wicket-keeper.
Rahul seems like a more practical choice for a one-off series, especially as deputy Shreyas Iyer is probably going to need an additional two months to recuperate from his spleen injury that he sustained in Australia.
In terms of the team, Yashasvi Jaiswal might open alongside Rohit Sharma, and Abhishek Sharma, who frequently appears in India’s List A lineup, might be the backup opener for the ODI series that begins in Ranchi on November 30.
The pace responsibilities will be handled by Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana; Akash Deep is a potential candidate. Hardik Pandya, recuperating from a quadriceps injury, will concentrate only on T20Is till the World Cup next year, while Jasprit Bumrah will be rested following two consecutive Test series.
Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and Washington Sundar make up the spin group, and Kuldeep Yadav may take a leave of absence for personal reasons.
