In a last-minute change ahead of the crucial series decider, India's vice-captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the fifth and final T20 International against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Friday. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the development at the toss, attributing Gill's absence to a "niggle" picked up in Lucknow.
Samson Gets His Chance as Gill Sits Out
With Gill unavailable, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was drafted into the playing eleven. This marks a significant opportunity for Samson to make an impact in the high-stakes series finale. Captain Suryakumar Yadav provided a brief explanation, stating, "Gill picked up a niggle in Lucknow, so Sanju comes in."
This is not the first injury setback for Gill on this tour. He had arrived in Ahmedabad with the team despite carrying the injury, which he originally sustained during practice ahead of the fourth T20I. As reported earlier, he was already set to miss the Lucknow match, but that game was ultimately abandoned due to inclement weather.
Other Changes in India's Lineup
The team management made two additional changes to the side. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returned to the lineup, replacing Harshit Rana. In the spin department, Washington Sundar was brought in for Kuldeep Yadav.
South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to field first, putting India in to bat at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The match holds extra significance as it is India's final international fixture of the 2024 calendar year.
A Troubling Pattern of Injuries for Gill
This latest issue adds to a concerning run of fitness problems for the young star. Earlier on the same tour, Gill missed the majority of the Test series against the Proteas due to a neck injury suffered during the series opener in Kolkata. That injury also forced him to sit out the subsequent three-match ODI series.
The five-match T20I series is intriguingly poised, with India leading 2-1. The team will now look to secure a series victory without one of their key top-order batters. Following this contest, the Indian team's next assignment is a white-ball tour of New Zealand, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is starting January 11.
India's Playing XI for the 5th T20I vs South Africa:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Jitesh Sharma (w)
- Washington Sundar
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
