Gill and Iyer Nearing Return as India Look to Reset After Test Series Defeat, Says Morkel

India bowling coach Morne Morkel has provided a positive fitness update on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, confirming that both players are progressing well in their recoveries and are expected to rejoin the national squad soon. The update comes as India prepare for the ODI series against South Africa following a disappointing run in Test cricket.

Gill has been sidelined with a neck injury sustained during the Kolkata Test two weeks ago, while Iyer has been recovering from a spleen laceration suffered on the recent tour of Australia.

Morkel said both players were moving in the right direction, noting that Gill reported encouraging progress during a recent conversation. Iyer has also begun rehabilitation and is working towards full fitness. India are likely to turn to Yashasvi Jaiswal to fill Gill’s spot in the ODI XI, while the No. 4 position—vacated by Iyer—remains open, with Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma among the leading contenders.

India’s Test struggles—five losses in their last seven matches—have put significant pressure on the squad. Morkel said the team has used the break to reassess their approach and believes that the switch to white-ball cricket will help reset the group’s mindset. He stressed the importance of starting strongly against a confident South African side that has built considerable momentum.

The ODI series also marks the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket at home for the first time since retiring from Tests earlier this year. Both senior batters appear to be targeting participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, a goal Morkel believes their fitness can support. He praised their experience and influence, recalling the challenges of bowling to them during his own career.

India’s training session in Ranchi on Friday featured lively pitches offering pace and bounce, prompting discussions around team composition. The conditions could create a selection dilemma between fast-bowling allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar. Final decisions will be made after further assessment of the surface and team strategy.

With key players nearing full fitness and senior figures returning to the fold, India enter the ODI series aiming to regain confidence and momentum after a difficult stretch in red-ball cricket.