Perfectly fine physically and mentally feeling ready, says Gill upon returning to Indian T20I squad

December 9, 2025

Cuttack: India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill, returning from a neck injury, said he feels “perfectly fine” both physically and mentally ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa.

Injury and Recovery

Gill suffered the injury during the first Test in Kolkata last month and underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru before being declared match-fit. After India sealed a 2-1 ODI series win, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed Gill’s availability for the T20Is.

Role in the Squad

The 26-year-old was named in the playing XI for the opener in Cuttack, partnering Abhishek Sharma at the top while serving as deputy to skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

Gill on His Recovery Journey

Speaking to commentator Murali Kartik before the match, Gill expressed confidence about his return.
“Body feels perfectly fine. I spent good time at the CoE and I’m mentally ready,” he said.

Explaining his injury, he added, “I had a disc bulge pressing on the nerve. It started with a morning spasm and got worse during the match. I had to be hospitalized for a couple of days but recovered in time.”

Short Stay at the Crease

In the match, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl. Gill’s comeback with the bat was brief—after hitting a boundary off the first ball from Lungi Ngidi, he was dismissed on the next delivery for 4 as India slipped to 5/1 within the first over.