India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of action for the remainder of 2025 due to a nerve injury he suffered during Kolkata Test. Gill will not just miss the ODI series against South Africa but the five-T20I series as well.
The 26-year-old had an injection to alleviate his symptoms but he will need rest before heading to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for his rehabilitation.
Gill had a consultation with Dr Abhay Nene, a spine specialist in Mumbai.
“Dear Mr Agarkar, Shubman had a consultation with Dr Abhay Nene, Spine Specialist in Mumbai yesterday. He has had an injection to alleviate his symptoms and will need a period of rest before we commence rehab, training and skill activity. Therefore, he is ruled out of the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa," read the mail accessed by Sports Tak.
The BCCI is yet to announce the squad for ODI and T20I series against South Africa. The ODI series begins on November 30 in Ranchi. In the absence of Gill, the captain for the ODI series is yet to be announced. With vice-captain Shreyas Iyer likely to miss the ODI series, either KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant will take over the captaincy.
"Of late Pant hasn't played ODIs so will decide whom to give the position but it will be between him and Rahul," source close to the development told Sports Tak.
Gill is likely to make a comeback in the limited-overs series at home against New Zealand. On January 11, 2026, the three ODI series will begin in Vadodra. The five-T20I series will begin on January 21, India's last preparatory series before the T20 World Cup 2026.
Who will replace Gill as opener in ODIs?
Yashasvi Jaiswal who warmed the benches on Australia tour is likely to walk out to open in ODI series against South Africa. It is yet to be seen who will be the backup opener.
In the T20Is, Sanju Samson may get to open again alongside Abhishek. If Samson continues to play in middle order, Jaiswal may get to play in the T20Is against Proteas as well.