Shubman Gill's Adelaide Test participation confirmed? Huge recovery update arrives

Shubman Gill was spotted without any strapping on his left thumb as the Indian cricket team boarded their flight to Canberra on Wednesday (November 27) morning from Perth.

This development comes amidst ongoing speculation about Gill's fitness after he sustained a thumb injury during the practice at WACA ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Shubman Gill’s recovery boosts hopes for second Test as Team India heads to Canberra

Shubman Gill’s injury status had raised questions about his availability for the second Test of the ongoing five-match Test series, but the absence of the usual support tape on his thumb raised positive hopes about his recovery from the injury that kept him out of the Perth Test.

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The latest sighting has sparked optimism among fans regarding Shubman Gill’s potential participation in the Day-Night Test match between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval, starting on December 6.

Additionally, this could be a positive sign that Gill’s injury might not be as severe as initially feared, and he could be ready for the upcoming matches in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

A Revsportz journalist claimed on social media platform X: “Shubman Gill spotted with no strapping on his left thumb when Team India flew to Canberra this morning from Perth.”

Shubman Gill spotted with no strapping on his left thumb when Team India flew to Canberra this morning from Perth. #BGT #AUSvIND

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) November 27, 2024

Don’t be surprised if he misses two to three Tests: Jatin Paranjape on Gill

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill suffered a thumb injury while fielding in the slips during the match simulation ahead of the first Test against Australia. This injury forced him to miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener at the Optus Stadium, where India recorded a 295-run win.

Recently, India selector Jatin Paranjape had said that Gill could end up missing “two to three Tests" due to the injury. Paranjape had stated, “I know from past experience that finger injuries, especially like the one he has suffered to the thumb, take two to four weeks to heal, so don’t be surprised if he misses two to three Test matches.”

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On the other hand, a Times of India report claimed that Gill will miss the two-day pink-ball warm-up match in Canberra from November 30. A source revealed: “Gill was advised to take a 10-14 day rest by the medical specialist after suffering that injury. He won’t play in the practice match on the weekend and is doubtful at the moment for the second Test too.”

Who will make way for Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill?

Well, it will be interesting to see who will be benched in the Adelaide Test match if Gill will also attain match fitness. Indian captain Rohit Sharma also joined the squad, and if Gill recovers from the injury and is available for selection, it will be a big headache for the Indian team management.

Rohit Sharma will return to his usual opening position, dropping KL Rahul down in the batting order, and possibly Devdutt Padikkal will lose his place after batting at No. 3 in the Perth Test. But Dhurv Jurel might have to sacrifice for Gill, as Rahul is highly unlikely to be dropped after his impressive outing in the first Test, where he made 26 and 77 runs against Australia.