Shubman Gill Reaches Ahmedabad; Participation in Final T20I Uncertain

India’s T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill has arrived in Ahmedabad with the national team ahead of the fifth and final T20 International against South Africa. However, his participation in the series finale remains uncertain following a toe injury sustained in the buildup to the fourth T20I in Lucknow. The match day decision on his availability will determine whether he takes the field in this crucial encounter.

Gill’s Injury Status and Replacement Plans

Gill was initially ruled out of the 4th T20I, but the match was ultimately abandoned without a ball being bowled due to severe fog conditions. Reports suggest he was ruled out of the remainder of the series, yet his arrival in Ahmedabad indicates that a final call on his participation might be deferred until match day. The toe injury has raised concerns about his fitness for the series finale.

Should Gill be ruled out, Sanju Samson is the likely replacement to open the innings. Samson previously impressed at the top of the order before Gill’s inclusion in the T20 scheme forced him to warm the benches. With proven runs at the opening position, Samson emerges as the first choice to fill the void left by Gill’s potential unavailability.

Fitness Concerns Amid Recovery from Previous Injuries

This latest injury compounds ongoing fitness concerns for Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the Test series opener in Kolkata. That injury forced him to miss both Test matches and the subsequent three-match ODI series against South Africa. The recurring injury problems raise questions about his durability heading into the final T20I.

India currently lead the five-match bilateral series 2-1, meaning they cannot lose the series from this position. The series finale in Ahmedabad will determine the overall winner of the T20I contest.