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NEW DELHI: India’s T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill looks ready to return after a neck injury kept him out of action during the Test series against South Africa. He trained at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and is expected to join the T20I side for the series starting Tuesday.

Recovery at the centre of excellence

In a video posted by BCCI on X, Gill spoke about how the past few days at the facility transformed his fitness and confidence. He praised the environment and the support he received during his rehab.

“I am feeling much better now. From the day I came here I have gone through many skill sessions and training sessions and they have made a big difference. This place feels like a paradise for any athlete because it helps you improve both physically and mentally.”

Gill said the recovery tools at the centre made his return faster and more comfortable.

“We have things like the oxygen chamber and cryotherapy and they have helped me a lot. The setup here is huge and even now I see so many machines that I do not know how to use which shows how advanced everything is.”

NCA memories from his early cricket days

Gill then looked back at his younger days and explained how special NCA training once felt. He recalled the pride players carried when they earned selection for age-group camps.

“When I was in U-14 or U-16 cricket we used to be in awe of anyone who went to the NCA. Out of around two hundred state players only twenty five or thirty got selected and it was a very big deal. Everyone waited for the chance to train here and spend time with the coaches.”

He added that the atmosphere shaped players who were already seen as promising.

“When you come here you are already the cream of the crop because you have the skill set for the next level. The question is how well you use the facilities to improve yourself physically and mentally.”

Ready for the next step

Gill wrapped up by stressing that effort from the player matters most even when world class support is available.

“The coaches and trainers and physios are always here but it depends on how willing you are to work. If you use what is available then you always gain that extra edge over other players.”

With his recovery nearly complete the vice captain looks set to return to the Indian lineup for the South Africa T20I series.