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India's bowling coach Morne Morkel came up massive update on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer's injuries ahead of ODI series against South Africa. Team India is gearing up for the three-match ODI series against Proteas on November 30, in Ranchi, but they will be without both their captain, Shubman Gill, and vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer. Two days before the series opener, bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an encouraging update on the two senior batters, stating that they are "coming along well" and that the entire management team is eager to welcome them back into the squad soon.
Morne Morkel on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer's injuries
Gill, who leads India in both Test and ODI formats, sustained a neck injury during the first Test of the two-match series against South Africa. The right-handed batter played only three balls before experiencing pain in his neck after attempting a sweep shot off the bowling of Simon Harmer. The 26-year-old had to be hospitalized and was subsequently ruled out of the second Test match.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer faced a life-threatening injury during the third ODI against Australia after he completed a diving catch off the bowling of Harshit Rana. The batter suffered a blunt injury to his abdomen, which resulted in a laceration of his spleen accompanied by internal bleeding. The 30-year-old was required to undergo surgery in Sydney before he was eventually discharged from the hospital. Morkel addressed the media ahead of the first ODI against the Proteas, where he was asked for an update on the recovery status of both Gill and Shreyas.
“I think the best is for the medical to give that. I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him, and he's recovering well. So that's pleasing to hear,” Morkel said at the pre-match press conference.
“Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So yeah, we're looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. And the good thing is that they're healthy and they're starting their preparation on their way back into the team,” he added.
No timeline for Gill, Iyer's return
While there is currently no definitive timeline for Gill's return, the batter is anticipated to be available for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, which is scheduled to get underway on December 9. However, the BCCI has not yet announced the squad for that five-match series. In contrast, Shreyas Iyer is expected to face a significantly longer period on the sidelines and is effectively ruled out of any competitive cricket until the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2026. Before the injuries, Shreyas had been appointed as Gill's deputy for the recent ODI series against Australia. With both senior players sidelined, India named Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the squad for the current three-match ODI series against South Africa. Gill's absence was also felt in the Test format, as India recently suffered a 0-2 whitewash in the two-match Test series against the Proteas.
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