NEW DELHI: Two of India’s brightest batting hopes, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, are inching forward in their respective injury recoveries, with India bowling coach Morne Morkel offering an encouraging update ahead of the ODI series against South Africa.
India wait for return of key batters
Gill, who hurt his neck during the Kolkata Test while trying to sweep Simon Harmer, has been out of action since that incident. Morkel said he recently checked on the opener’s condition and sounded upbeat about the progress.
“I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him, and he’s recovering well, so that’s pleasing to hear,” Morkel told reporters before the first ODI in Ranchi.
Iyer’s situation is more complex. The middle order batter has now begun structured rehabilitation, though a full return is still some distance away.
“Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great,” Morkel said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. The good thing is they’re healthy and starting their preparation on their way back into the team.”
India and South Africa will meet in a three match ODI series starting Sunday, with the first game in Ranchi followed by Raipur and Visakhapatnam. After a bruising 2 0 Test defeat, India will hope to regroup as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to strengthen the squad. The series now becomes a chance for the team to reset and push for a fresh start.
