Is Shubman Gill fit to play IND vs SA T20Is? Gautam Gambhir reveals

Debashis Sarangi

Shubman Gill with Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]Shubman Gill with Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed Shubman Gill would feature in the T20I series against South Africa, starting on December 9. After India secured an emphatic victory in Vizag, Gambhir gave a crucial fitness update on Gill, revealing the T20I vice-captain is absolutely fit to participate in the upcoming five-match series. 

Shubman Gill ready to play IND vs SA T20Is, confirms Gautam Gambhir

On Saturday, India had a memorable day on the field, comfortably swatting aside South Africa by nine wickets and winning the three-match ODI series by 2-1. Chasing 271, India had a fabulous start to their innings, courtesy of Rohit Sharma's blistering fifty, before Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal ensured a smooth victory for the home side. 

After the Indian side's landslide win in Vizag, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media in the post-match press conference. It's worth mentioning that the stylish batter missed the three-match ODI series due to a neck injury. Also, when the BCCI named India's T20I squad, Gill's participation was subject to fitness clearance. 

However, Gambhir confirmed in the post-match presser that Gill is fully fit and available to play the first T20I of the series. 

"Yes, Shubman is ready to start. That's why he has been selected. Obviously, he's fit and fine and hungry to go. And look, there are quality players players in this side. As I’ve said many times, they are world-class players," Gambhir told theemedia. 

Shubman Gill to play a key role in IND vs SA T20Is

Punjab batter Shubman Gill couldn't bat in the second innings of the first Test and missed the decider in Guwahati before being ruled out of the ODI series due to a neck injury. However, he completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI CoE, eventually making it into the Indian squad for the T20I leg. 

As Gambhir has confirmed his availability, Gill is set to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma and play a significant role for the hosts in the T20I series, which serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for them ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.