India bowling coach Morne Morkel has provided positive updates on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, with both recovering well. Gill has been out of action due to a neck injury he suffered during the Kolkata Test a couple of weeks ago, while Iyer had been ruled out following a spleen laceration during India’s tour of Australia last month.
Morkel, though, had said in Ranchi that official updates would be given by the medical team, but from whatever he has personally spoken to Gill, the improvement is great. He confirmed Iyer started his rehabilitation program too, raising hope over their return to the squad.
Return Timeline Still Uncertain for Shubman Gill, Iyer
Morkel has expressed that Gill is recovering steadily, which is “pleasing to hear,” while Iyer, beginning rehab, is “great for the team.” The coaching staff is hopeful of welcoming them both back into the fold once they regain full fitness and readiness.
In the absence of Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to be preferred as an opener in the ODI format. All the same, No. 4, vacated by Shreyas Iyer, remains undecided, with Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma emerging as front-runner replacements.
Pressure On Team India Following Struggles In Test Series
India began the ODI series carrying the baggage of having lost five out of seven Tests, with a disappointing series loss to South Africa. Morkel stressed that going to white-ball cricket means the team gets a fresh start and allows them to mentally reset.
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He pointed out that South Africa currently possess strong momentum and warned a confident Proteas side is always dangerous. He also called for the importance of a good start to the series and to put the recent setbacks behind them.
Experience and Stability Brought by Kohli and Rohit
The return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to ODI cricket on home soil for the first time since retiring from Tests earlier this year is a source of confidence for India. Morkel lauded their longevity and even suggested both veterans could realistically target the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Having bowled to them many times in his playing days, Morkel acknowledged their challenge as opposition bowlers and said they would continue to perform at the highest level with utmost confidence.
Pitch Assessment and Team Combination Ahead of ODI Series
India practiced on two covered wickets in Ranchi on Friday, one of which will be used in the first game. Initial impressions are that it is a pitch which has good carry and bounce, much like those in South Africa.
That may impact team selection, with fast-bowling allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy possibly challenging for a spot over spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar. Morkel said the decision would be taken after more assessment of the pitch later in the evening.
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