Team India will be missing both captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30 in Ranchi. Two days before the series opener, bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the media and offered an important update on the recovery of both senior batters.
Gill’s Neck Injury Progressing Well
Gill, who leads India in both Tests and ODIs, injured his neck during the first Test against South Africa. The opener faced only three balls before experiencing sharp neck pain while attempting a sweep off Simon Harmer. He was taken to the hospital and later ruled out of the second Test.
Morkel revealed that Gill is recovering steadily:
“I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him, and he’s recovering well. So that’s pleasing to hear.”
There is still no official timeline for his return, but Gill is expected to be fit for the T20I series beginning December 9. The BCCI has yet to announce the squad for those matches.
Shreyas Iyer Starts Rehab After Major Surgery
Shreyas Iyer suffered a far more serious injury during the third ODI against Australia. While completing a diving catch off Harshit Rana’s bowling, Iyer sustained a blunt abdominal injury, resulting in a spleen laceration and internal bleeding. He required immediate surgery in Sydney before being discharged.
According to Morkel, Iyer has now begun his rehabilitation:
“Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great… the good thing is that they’re healthy and they’re starting their preparation on their way back into the team.”
Iyer, however, is expected to need a long recovery period and is unlikely to play any competitive cricket until the IPL 2026 season.
India Forced to Reshuffle Squad
With both Gill and Iyer unavailable, India has drafted Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad into the ODI squad for the South Africa series.
Gill’s absence was already felt during the Test series, where India suffered a 0–2 whitewash against the Proteas.
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