Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer’s recovery delayed? Morne Morkel issues official medical bulletin

India National Cricket Team bowling coach Morne Morkel has issued an official medical update on the Test and ODI captain, Shubman Gill, as well as ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer.

Morne Morkel dropped the update while speaking to reporters ahead of the first ODI of the three-match series against the South Africa National Cricket Team, which will start on Sunday, November 30.

I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him, and he is recovering well - Morne Morkel

Shreyas Iyer has been out of action since the Australia tour, as he had lacerated his spleen while taking an exceptional catch to dismiss Alex Carey in the Sydney ODI.

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The batter had to undergo a medical procedure in Australia after suffering a nasty-looking injury, and he is expected to remain on the sidelines for at least a few more months.

Shubman Gill, on the other hand, faced some neck issues during the Eden Gardens Test against South Africa, and when he came out to bat, the problem worsened.

Gill was forced to retire hurt after suffering a neck injury, and he missed out on the remainder of the first Test as well as the second Test, which was played in Guwahati.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Ranchi, Morne Morkel said that the duo have been recovering well and confirmed that Shreyas Iyer has started his rehabilitation program. He said:

"I think the best is for the medical [team] to give that [update]. I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him and he is recovering well. So, that is pleasing to hear.

"Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So, we are looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. The good thing is that they are healthy and they are starting their preparation on their way back into the team."

South Africa have that momentum - Morne Morkel

In the same press conference, Morne Morkel admitted that the Proteas are a dangerous team and put the emphasis on forgetting the Test series loss and focusing on the white-ball cricket to do well against South Africa.

"Look, it's a change of colour by clothing and it's a change of ball which always brings a different energy. But I feel you know the South African team, they have that momentum with them and a confident Protea team is a dangerous team. It will be important to start well, for us to play good cricket over the next week or two, because they're here to win," Morne Morkel said.

"Luckily, we have got some good experience ahead now in the team. For us, it is now focus for the next two days. Give ourselves the best opportunity to prepare well and go out there and put the last couple of weeks behind us and really focus on playing solid cricket."

I think we will have to look at the wicket - Morne Morkel

Morkel also provided an update on the pitch for the Ranchi ODI, saying that it looked like a South African wicket. He said:

"I think we will have to look at the wicket. Honestly, I just walked past it now and it looked like a very good surface. Almost South African-like. So, I think the discussions will happen tonight in terms of what combination they look to start off with. So, we will have to wait and see after training."

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