Indian Captain Shubman Gill Cleared to Play First ODI Against West Indies Despite Injury Concerns
Indian skipper Shubman Gill will play in the first ODI against West Indies, recovering from a recent elbow injury.
Thiruvananthapuram, September 26 (Daily Kiran) : The much-anticipated ODI series between India and West Indies is set to kick off this Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram. India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, confirmed that captain Shubman Gill is fit to play despite recent injury concerns.
Gill sustained a minor injury to his right elbow during a practice session on Friday when he was struck by a bouncer from fast bowler Mohammad Siraj. After receiving treatment for about 20 minutes on the field, Gill returned to practice with throwdowns. At a pre-match press conference, Kotak reassured reporters, stating, “I believe he is fine and ready to play.”
The ODI series consists of three matches scheduled for September 27, September 30, and October 3, followed by five more ODIs from October 6 to October 17.
Kotak also addressed the ongoing selection challenges faced by the Indian team, particularly regarding young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been left out of the squad despite impressive performances across formats. With both Gill and Rohit Sharma in the lineup, Jaiswal has found opportunities limited. Kotak explained, “I think this is due to the intense competition and the strong performances of several players. Jaiswal is undoubtedly one of the best, and whenever he gets a chance, he performs well.”
He emphasized the importance of hard work and patience for players like Jaiswal, who must wait for their opportunities. “Whenever the team has needed him, he has delivered. We focus on his skills and his readiness whenever he is with the team,” Kotak added.
Additionally, Kotak discussed the role of experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who is making his return to the ODI squad while Axar Patel is set to compete in the T20 team for the 2026 Asian Games. “I believe he is certainly a contender for the team. Jadeja is an outstanding all-rounder, and his record speaks for itself,” he said, acknowledging the selectors’ decisions regarding team composition.
Kotak concluded by highlighting Jadeja’s significance to the team, stating, “He is one of the best fielders in the world, and with experienced players like Rohit and Virat, he adds immense value to the squad.”
