IND vs SA: India bowling coach Morne Morkel provides update on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer's fitness ahead of the ODI series

Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer have been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against South Africa.

India are set to leave the disappointment of the test series whitewash against South Africa behind and shift their focus to the thee-match ODI series, starting on Sunday, 30th November in Ranchi. The Indian team has been joined by the veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the Men in Blue look for a riposte in white ball series.

However, the home side will be missing the services of captain Shubman Gill and experienced middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer. The duo is out of action due to respective injuries. Gill suffered a neck injury while batting in first innings of the Kolkata test against South Africa, while Shreyas Iyer lacerated his spleen on the field against Australia in October.

Shreyas and Shubman on their road to recovery

India bowling coach Morne Morkel talked about the recovery of two important members of the ODI team in the press conference before the first ODI in Ranchi.

“I think the best is for the medical [team] to give that [update],” Morkel said.

Morkel said, informing the media about his interaction with Shubman, “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, we are looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. The good thing is that they are healthy and they are starting their preparation on their way back into the team,” stated the bowling coach.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Head to head records in ODI cricket

Who will replace Shubman and Shreyas?

With Gill and Iyer out of the team, it is an opportunity for those sitting on the bench to come in and show their potential in 50-over cricket. Shubman’s replacement will be a straightforward one, with Yashasvi Jaiswal filling in.

The left-hander has performed consistently in test cricket but has not been able to establish himself in ODI cricket as Shubman has been the first-choice opener. The upcoming three ODIs will be an opportunity for Yashasvi to put his name in the fray for the opening slot in ODI cricket.

Shreyas Iyer’s replacement can be a tricky proposition with multiple players in the running. Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma are front-runners for the No. 4 slot. Pant has been out of action in ODIs for almost a year. If the management decides to move ahead with a like-for-like replacement, Ruturaj Gaikwad can emerge as an out-of-the-box choice.

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