Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the India vs South Africa 4th T20I. The vice-captain, who had injured his neck in mid-October, returned to competitive cricket just last week, but the injury isn’t leaving his side.
During preparations for the penultimate match of the series, Gill had sustained a foot injury in the nets on December 16. A ball had struck his toe during practice at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on the eve of the Lucknow T20I. As a result, Gill has been ruled out.
Gill uncertain for IND vs SA 5th T20I
The medical staff has been keeping a keen eye on Gill, and at the moment, it’s uncertain whether he’ll feature in the last T20I in Ahmedabad. Due to cold weather in the north, the recovery time usually increases. This could force Gill out. However, BCCI might just rest him as a precaution.
“Yes, he injured his toe while batting. It doesn’t look bad right now, but further assessment and scans will reveal a clear picture. One also has to be mindful of the weather in the northern part of the country, which extends recovery time from niggles. A call on his participation for the Ahmedabad game will be taken soon,” a source told the Times of India.
India has already lost Axar Patel, who has been ruled out with injury, and now Gill might be out too. Jasprit Bumrah, who took a personal leave for the Dharamshala T20I, has joined the team in Lucknow. However, the pacer may not get a chance to play due to excessive fog, which has already delayed the match.
In Gill’s absence, Sanju Samson might return to the side. After getting demoted to the middle order, Samson was dropped from the team in Australia. He hasn’t played against South Africa yet, but could also open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma if Gill doesn’t recover from his injury.
