Shubman Gill’s T20I career hanging by a thread as injury curse strikes again

Team India vice-captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against South Africa after picking up a toe injury, according to a report by PTI. The right-handed batter, who has been trying to regain form in T20Is, suffered the injury to his toe ahead of the fourth T20I against the Proteas.

Gill returned to international action in the ongoing T20I series after recovering from a neck injury. The opening batter has struggled with the bat in the first three matches. He managed just four runs in the opener and recorded scores of 0 and 28 in the next two matches, but India are currently leading the series 2-1.

Shubman Gill Ruled Out of Remainder of T20I Series Against South Africa

According to PTI, Shubman Gill picked up his toe injury during a net session ahead of the fourth T20I. He was struck while batting towards the end of an extended practice session, leaving him in visible pain and struggling to walk.

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The team management chose not to risk him for the match, with recovery the priority and his availability for the final game still uncertain. In Gill’s absence, Sanju Samson is likely to open the innings.

“Shubman had an extended batting session at the nets on the eve of the fourth T20I. Towards the end of the session, he was hit on the toe while batting in the nets. He was in pain and was hobbling," a BCCI source told PTI.

“It would have been difficult for him to play on Wednesday. Hence, he did not accompany the team as there was little chance of his playing this game. At this point, it is difficult to say if he will play in Ahmedabad," the source added.

Shubman Gill Struggles to Make an Impact in T20Is Since His Comeback

Shubman Gill has struggled to make an impact in T20Is. He made his return to the format during the Asia Cup 2025. The batter has scored 291 runs in 15 innings without a single fifty. His poor outings have led to criticism and raised doubts about his place in India’s plans for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Shubman Gill was looking to use the ongoing South Africa series to improve his numbers and strengthen his case. However, he has struggled with the bat in the first three matches.

Sanju Samson is set to open the innings. This will be his first outing as an opener since the Asia Cup 2025. Samson had earlier been dropped as opener despite scoring three centuries in the past 12 months when Gill was brought back into the T20I side.

Fog Forces Abandonment of India vs South Africa 4th T20I in Lucknow

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned because of heavy fog at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, December 17. Poor visibility made it unsafe to play, leaving fans disappointed after waiting for hours.

With the match called off, India remain 2-1 ahead in the five-match series. The fifth and final T20I will now be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19.

India made a strong start to the series with a big win in Cuttack. South Africa responded by winning the second match in Mullanpur to level the series. India then regained the lead with a comfortable seven-wicket victory in Dharamsala.

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