In a big blow to Team India, their captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the ODI series against South Africa. As per a internal mail exclusively accessed by Sports Tak, Shubman Gill's injury hasn't improved much from the time he picked neck injury during first Test against South Africa.
Shubman Gill out of ODIs against South Africa
The 26-year-old batter had a consultation with Dr Abhay Nene, Spine Specialist in Mumbai on November 21. He has had an injection to alleviate his symptoms and will need a period of rest before his rehab, training and skill activity start.
"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," the mail read.
Earlier Sports Tak reported that Gill is unlikely to play the ODIs against South Africa, given his condition.
India's ODI, T20I squads to be announced on November 23
Meanwhile, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors are scheduled to announce India's T20I and ODI squads for the South Africa series on November 23, following a selection meeting in Mumbai. The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa is set to be played on November 30, December 3, and December 6 in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam, respectively. Meanwhile, the five T20I fixtures will be played across Cuttack, Mullanpur, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad on November 9, 11, 14, 17, and 19.
India are facing significant uncertainty regarding the leadership for the ODI series due to multiple injuries. Gill, who is currently the designated ODI captain, is out of action after sustaining a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa. Compounding this issue, India's ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, is also sidelined with an injury suffered while fielding in the third ODI against Australia, and he is reportedly set to be rested for the entire home series.
In that case Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are in fray to lead India in the ODI series.
"Off 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.