The bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has provided a major update on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer’s fitness ahead of the ODI series in the South Africa tour of India 2025.

He confirmed that both were doing well with recovery progress after recent injuries. He also revealed that he spoke with Shubman Gill before couple of days before and is recovering well from the neck injury he sustained during the test series against South Africa.

He also added that Shreyas Iyer has started rehabilitation after a spleen rupture injury during the ODI series against Australia last month.

Morne Morkel said that the entire management is eager to have them back in the team. India’s test and ODI captain Shubman Gill sustained a neck injury during the first test of the two-match test series after experiencing neck pain after a sweep shot from Simon Harmer’s bowling.

He was then hospitalised and ruled out of the remainder of the series, where India suffered a 2-0 clean sweep after South Africa secured a mammoth 408 run victory in the second test, marking their first series victory on Indian soil in 25 years.

On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer suffered a serious spleen rupture during the 3rd ODI game against Australia after completing a catch to dismiss Alex Carey.

He suffered a lacerated spleen and internal bleeding and underwent surgery in Sydney, and has been discharged from the hospital.

Speaking to the media, Morne Morkel said, “I think the best is for the medical to give that. I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him, and he is recovering well. So that is pleasing to hear.”

“Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So yeah, we are looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. And the good thing is that they are healthy and they are starting their preparation on their way back into the team,” Morne Morkel added.

India is set to play an ODI series in a home tour against South Africa starting on November 30 at JSCA International Stadium Complex.