Shubman Gill, who is India’s captain in ODIs and Test cricket and vice-captain in T20Is, has reported to BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru for fitness checks. The medical panel will decide whether he can play in the five-match T20I series against South Africa starting December 9.

Gill has been out of action since the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens. He suffered a neck injury and was admitted to the hospital in Kolkata. The right-handed batter played a sweep shot on Simon Harmer’s delivery and felt discomfort, forcing him to leave the field. He was then ruled out of the remainder of the series opener and the second Test in Guwahati, and also the ODI series.

Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings in Gill’s absence while Ruturaj Gaikwad played in place of Shreyas Iyer, who is also recovering from an injury. KL Rahul was given the captaincy and led the team to a 17-run win in the Ranchi ODI against the Proteas. Virat Kohli scored a hundred while Rohit Sharma and Rahul amassed fifties to take the total to 349/8. The visitors were bowled out for 332, with Kuldeep Yadav taking four wickets.

According to PTI, Gill was given an injection and a 21-day rest and rehab plan was prepared for the player, which also included strengthening exercises. He will go through a series of tests at the COE before he can resume batting.

An official of the Indian Cricket Board confirmed the medical team will only clear Gill once he experiences no pain during movement and skill routine.

“Nothing can be confirmed unless the team assesses his movements during training and whether he can bat freely,” a BCCI source told PTI.

Earlier, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel gave a positive update about Gill and the other injured players. The team is expecting Gill to join the national team soon.

Despite the reports, Gill’s availability for the T20I assignment against South Africa is still not certain. The selection committee is waiting for a report from the COE. If he is declared fit, Gill will start match preparations, but the decision makers will continue with the same combinations in case of a delay.