India were dealt a late setback ahead of the fifth and final T20I against South Africa, with vice-captain Shubman Gill ruled out after suffering a foot injury in Lucknow. While India welcomed back pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Gill’s absence forced a reshuffle to the playing XI for the series decider in Ahmedabad.
According to a BCCI statement, Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on December 16. After consultation with a specialist and treatment under the supervision of the BCCI medical team, the opener was reported to be improving but not fit enough to be considered for selection for the final match of the series.
Bumrah returned to the side in place of Harshit Rana, but the need to maintain batting depth meant Kuldeep Yadav also missed out. This opened the door for Washington Sundar to come into the XI, alongside Sanju Samson, as India adjusted their balance for the finale.
South Africa won the final toss of the tour and chose to chase, though it aligned with India’s own preference to bat first. Captain Suryakumar Yadav indicated he was unconcerned about dew later in the evening, backing his side’s ability to defend totals under expected conditions.
The visitors made a couple of changes of their own. George Linde was drafted in for Anrich Nortje after South Africa had gone with an all-pace attack in Dharamsala, while the experienced David Miller replaced Tristan Stubbs to bolster the middle order.
With the series reaching its climax, both teams named strong line-ups, even as India were forced to cope without one of their most consistent batters. Gill’s absence will be keenly felt, but the return of Bumrah adds firepower as India look to close out the contest on home soil.
