Watch: Know Shubman Gill's latest fitness update ahead of IND vs SA T20I series 2025

It was the second day’s play of the opening Test between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where the red-ball captain, Shubman Gill, injured his neck while attempting a slog sweep and immediately looked in pain as the doctor decided to take him off the field. He didn’t return for the rest of the contest and missed the second game in Guwahati, with Rishabh Pant getting the leadership.

Shubman Gill was admitted to the Wooden Hospital in Kolkata before being discharged in two days, as he was part of the second Test squad initially before the BCCI decided to leave him out. He returned home to spend some time with the family before turning to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

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On December 03, there was a review meeting scheduled for the announcement of the T20I squad against South Africa. It was delayed only because of Gill’s fitness. The right-handed batter will need the fitness certificate from the BCCI CoE, which will be passed to the selection committee for the squad selection.

Shubman Gill likely to be part of India’s T20I series against South Africa

Gill was involved in multiple sessions in Bengaluru. He jogged around the pool, besides going through a light batting session towards the end. It will take some time for the batter to get fit, which means he will stay at the CoE for a few more days. That means he may not start the series against the Proteas at home but could return for the last two games.

In Gill's absence, the management could give chances to Yashasvi Jaiswal, as per the Revsportz reports. Jaiswal could likely open the batting with Abhishek Sharma, while Sanju Samson could be dropped down to the middle order. Gill didn’t enjoy a great time in the T20Is in the Asia Cup and Australia.

Gill will aim to be back in the T20I squad. Apart from the home Protea series, India will face New Zealand at home in the five-match T20I series before heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, apart from the warm-up clash against South Africa.