The the fifth and final T20I between India and South Africa After India’s vice-captain was dropped at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a massive reshuffle began. Shubman Gill.
Shubman Gill is ruled out for the T20I series decider between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad
Skipper during the shoot on December 19, 2025 Suryakumar Yadav Star confirmed that the player will miss the final of the series due to an injury sustained during practice in Lucknow. With India leading the five-match series 2-1, this final encounter has become a high-stakes audition for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup as the team management explores alternative opening combinations. Gill’s absence paved the way for his comeback Sanju Samson. As the South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss and qualified for the trophy, with both teams revealing numerous changes to their playing XIs, featuring a mix of tactical rotations and injury-enforced adjustments.
“Gill got a niggle in Lucknow, so Sanju steps in,” Suryakumar said during the shooting.
BCCI confirms captain Suryakumar Yadav’s update on Gill
The official reason for Gill’s absence from the Ahmedabad headquarters is a right leg injury, an update confirmed by the BCCI medical team shortly after the innings. Clarifying the situation, BCCI said that “Shubman Gill suffered a knock on his right leg while batting at the net in Lucknow on December 16; he is recovering but not available for selection.” Although the injury was the immediate cause, Gill’s exclusion comes amid a significant statistical decline in which the 25-year-old has struggled to justify his promotion to vice-captain.
𝐩𝐔𝐝𝐭𝐞: Shubman Gill injured his right leg while hitting the net in Lucknow on December 16.
After consulting a specialist and receiving treatment from the BCCI medical staff, he is improving but will not be available for selection for the finals…
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 19, 2025
In 15 T20I innings during 2025, Gill has not registered a fifty-plus score since July 2024, managing just 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26. provide the explosive starts required in the modern T20 format. With the 2026 T20 World Cup just two months away, this enforced break could actually act as a reset for Gill, though it also allows the likes of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to stake a claim for his starting spot.
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Key team changes for India vs South Africa in 5th T20I
In addition to Gill’s absence from the hood, both India and South Africa opted for significant tactical changes to take advantage of the unique conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The return of a local hero for the hosts jasprit bumrah instead of Harshit Rana It stands as the most impressive change as the premier pacer returns to bolster the attack in his hometown.
In addition, he saw an exchange with the spin department Washington Sundar replaces Kuldeep Yadava move likely influenced by Sundar’s intimate knowledge of the track Gujarat Titans the ability to extend regular and batting order. South Africa also made a calculated adjustment by bringing in a spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde for fast pace Anrich NortjeIt shows that the Proteas are waiting for the pitch to offer grip and turn as the game progresses. Captain Markram emphasized the importance of batting by opting to bowl first to take advantage of the expected dew factor, which has often plagued side bowling in Ahmedabad for the second time.
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