Indian cricket vice-captain Shubman Gill arrived with the squad in Bengaluru on Thursday for the crucial fifth and final T20 International against South Africa, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over his participation due to a toe injury. The series decider is scheduled for Friday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Injury Blow During Nets Rules Gill Out of Fourth T20I
The talented batter sustained the painful blow on his toe during a net session just before the fourth match in Lucknow. This injury made him highly unlikely to feature in Wednesday's game, a prediction that became moot as persistent rain led to a complete washout without a ball being bowled. This setback adds to a tour of frustration for Gill.
A Frustrating Tour and Dip in Form Complicate Selection
Gill's recent struggles are not limited to fitness. The young star has also been battling a dip in form, which complicates the team management's selection headache for the all-important series finale. With India holding a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, the choice between an unfit Gill and a fresh alternative is critical.
Should the medical team deem Gill unfit for the decider, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has emerged as the frontrunner to take his place in the playing eleven. This would be a significant opportunity for Samson to make a mark in the final international match of the year for the Men in Blue.
History of Injuries on the South Africa Tour
This toe injury is sadly part of a pattern for Gill on this challenging tour of South Africa. Earlier, he missed a substantial portion of the Test series after suffering a neck injury during the opening Test in Centurion. That initial setback was severe enough to also rule him out of the entire subsequent three-match ODI series.
The team will be hoping for a positive update on his condition ahead of Friday's clash. Following this match, the Indian team's focus will shift to the home season, which commences with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand followed by five T20Is, starting on January 11.
