India’s T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill, returning from a recent neck injury, lasted just two deliveries in the ongoing 1st T20I against South Africa in Cuttack, falling for 4 runs after slicing Ngidi straight to Marco Jansen at third man.
Gill, who missed the second Test and the ODI series after suffering a disc bulge in his neck during India’s tour of South Africa a few weeks ago, had spoken confidently before the match about feeling “perfectly fine physically and mentally” and being ready to regain rhythm ahead of the T20 World Cup.
But his comeback with the bat was short-lived.
After slicing a four down to third man off Ngidi’s second delivery, Gill attempted another similar shot on the very next ball. This time, the outside edge flew straight to Marco Jansen, leaving India one down inside the first over.
Gill had earlier explained the nature of his injury and recovery:
“I had a kind of disc bulge in my neck hitting the nerves. I had to go to the hospital for a couple of days, but I recovered well. Hopefully we’ll find our momentum and the right combinations in these last 10 T20Is before the World Cup.”
India entrusted Gill with the vice-captaincy for the series, but his return to T20Is has begun on a disappointing note, dismissed in just two balls after weeks of rehab and preparation.
