Shubman Gill was sidelined for the T20I series decider between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad
During the toss on December 19, 2025 skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the star opener would miss the series finale due to an injury sustained during a practice session in Lucknow. With India leading the five-match series 2-1, this latest encounter has turned into a high-stakes audition for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup as the team management explores alternative opening combinations. Gill’s absence has paved the way for the return of Sanju Samson. As captain of South Africa Aiden Markram After winning the toss and electing to bowl, both teams unveiled multiple changes to their playing XIs, reflecting a mix of tactical rotations and injury-forced adjustments.
“Gill picked up a glitch in Lucknow, so Sanju comes in,” Suryakumar said during the toss.
BCCI confirms captain Suryakumar Yadav’s update on Gill
The official reason for Gill’s absence from the decider in Ahmedabad is an impact injury to the right foot, an update that was confirmed by the BCCI medical team soon after the toss. Clarifying the situation, the BCCI stated: “Shubman Gill suffered an impact injury to his right foot while hitting the net in Lucknow on December 16; he is progressing but remains unavailable for selection.” Although the injury is the direct cause, Gill’s exclusion comes amid a significant statistical slump that has left the 25-year-old struggling to justify his promotion to vice-captain.
𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: Shubman Gill suffered an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on December 16 in Lucknow.
After consulting a specialist and receiving treatment from BCCI’s medical team, he is improving but will not be available for selection for the final…
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 19, 2025
In 15 T20I innings in 2025, Gill has managed just 291 runs at a mediocre average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, failing to record a single fifty-plus score since July 2024. This ‘lean period’ coincided with difficult tours of Australia and the protracted home rubber, where he consistently failed to deliver the explosive starts required in the modern T20 format. With the 2026 T20 World Cup just two months away, this enforced break could well serve as a reset for Gill, although at the same time it will give rivals like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan a chance to claim his starting spot.
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Major team changes for India and South Africa in the 5th T20I
In addition to Gill’s notable absence, both India and South Africa have opted for significant tactical realignments to take advantage of the unique conditions of the Narendra Modi Stadium. For the hosts: the return of the local hero jasprit bumrah instead of Harshit Rana is the most impactful change, as the key pacer returns to strengthen the attack in his hometown.
Additionally, the spin department saw a trade with Washington Sundar replace Kuldeep Yadava move likely influenced by Sundar’s intimate knowledge of the song as a Gujarat titans regular and his ability to extend the batting order. South Africa also made a calculated adjustment by bringing in a spin bowling all-rounder George Linde for the express pace of Anrich Nortjeindicating that the Proteas expect the pitch to provide grip and curves as the game progresses. Captain Markram emphasized the importance of the toss and opted to bowl first to take advantage of the expected dew factor that often plagues side bowling second in Ahmedabad.
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