India breathed a sigh of relief ahead of the T20I series against South Africa, with vice-captain Shubman Gill officially cleared to play after completing an intensive rehabilitation program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Gill, who sustained a neck injury during the first test match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens, was named in the T20I side but his participation was subject to fitness.
The CoE’s Sports Science team confirmed that the 25-year-old passed all Return-To-Play protocols, including strength tests, neck mobility assessments and match-simulation drills.Â
He also completed full-intensity batting and fielding sessions without discomfort, signalling readiness for competitive cricket.
All T20I-only players will assemble in Cuttack on Saturday, with training beginning Sunday. Gill is set to join the group and participate fully in preparations ahead of the opening T20I.
