Shubman Gill is back in the Indian T20I squad as vice-captain, it is learnt. The selection took place here in Raipur on Wednesday, and Gill has been included with the rider that he must pass a fitness test, according to a source in the know. An official announcement regarding the squad is expected later in the day.
RevSportz exclusively reported yesterday that Gill was pain-free and that his chances of making the T20I squad remained strong. The five-match series against South Africa starts on 9 November.
Usually, the selection committee names squads for ODIs and T20Is at the same time when the formats follow each other. This time, however, the T20I squad was not announced immediately, with Gill’s injury being a factor. The Ajit Agarkar-led panel was understood to be waiting for the specialists at the CoE, where Gill underwent rehab, to give the final update.
Gill had retired hurt during India’s first innings in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. He was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata and, although discharged within a day, the pain did not subside fully. He missed the second Test in Guwahati and then the ongoing ODI series. His recovery, though, has progressed steadily, and he is now expected to be ready to play again.
BCCI meeting
Meanwhile, the top brass of the cricket board held an informal discussion with India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Agarkar today. The future roadmap for Tests, communication between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the coordination between the selection committee and team management were among the points discussed. The BCCI did not want to hold a formal review meeting in the middle of a series.
Regarding Rohit and Kohli playing domestic cricket, a BCCI functionary said they have been doing so on their own accord.
As reported earlier: Shubman Gill pain free, T20Is against SA a possibility
