Shubman Gill’s recovery from a lingering neck injury has entered a decisive phase, with the India captain preparing to begin full rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The opener has already been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, and his absence has been felt in India’s top order. His injury, sustained on the second day of the Kolkata Test, resulted in hospitalisation and immediate medical intervention. Gill has not held a bat since that day. Reports indicate a favourable progression. He has undergone physiotherapy in Mumbai and was advised rest before the formal rehab stage. The update has encouraged optimism that Gill may recover in time for the forthcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, though the management is unwilling to accelerate anything. A source told timesofindia.com that Gill has travelled on multiple flights “without any discomfort,” and that “there are no red flags at the moment.” The focus, the source added, is to have him return only when fully prepared. Read also: Watch Virat Kohli ignored Gautam Gambhir after defeating South Africa at Ranchi Rehab begins; India await clarity as KL Rahul leads ODI side Gill is expected to resume batting gradually once his rehabilitation stabilises, with medical staff monitoring every threshold. According to reports, he will rejoin the national squad only after attaining complete readiness, both physically and conditionally. Another source stated that Gill will return “the moment he is 100% and feels ready for the grind,” underlining his role as a crucial all-format player. In Gill’s absence, KL Rahul is captaining India in the three-match ODI series that began in Ranchi, where India secured a 17-run victory led by Virat Kohli’s century and Rohit Sharma’s fifty. The next fixture is scheduled for Raipur. India are also without Shreyas Iyer, who continues to recover from a severe injury picked up during an ODI in Australia. Bowling coach Morne Morkel recently confirmed that Iyer has commenced early rehabilitation steps. Gill’s recovery timeline remains under assessment, but his return depends solely on medical clearance and physical readiness.