India bowling coach Morne Morkel has provided an encouraging update on two of India’s most important limited-overs batters. Shubman Gill is progressing steadily from his neck injury, while Shreyas Iyer has officially begun rehab after his freak spleen laceration in Australia last month. Both players are expected to return later in the season, giving India much-needed reinforcement in a packed international schedule.
The ODI series against South Africa arrives at a challenging time for India, who are still processing a difficult run in red-ball cricket. With five losses in their last seven Tests, the switch to white-ball cricket comes as a welcome opportunity to reset rhythm, roles, and confidence.
Gill’s Steady Progress Offers India Relief
Gill has been sidelined since the Kolkata Test, where he walked off clutching his neck after an awkward movement while fielding. Morkel said he recently checked on the opener and was pleased with the progress. “I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in,” Morkel shared. “He is recovering well, and that’s very pleasing.”
With Gill ruled out of the ODI series, India will likely turn to Yashasvi Jaiswal to fill the opener’s slot. Jaiswal has played only one ODI so far, but this opportunity could fast-track his growth in the format. His aggressive approach complements Rohit Sharma, although India will miss Gill’s stability and range against spin.
Iyer Begins Rehab, Eyes Return Later in the Season
Shreyas Iyer’s absence has left India scrambling for middle-order stability in both formats. His injury—a lacerated spleen suffered during the Australia tour—was severe enough to require hospitalisation in Sydney.
Now, Morkel confirms Iyer has started structured rehabilitation.
“Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great,” he said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming both players back when they are fully ready.”
Iyer’s return timeline remains uncertain, and his No. 4 spot is up for debate. Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma are being considered, but India lack clarity in a position that has been inconsistent for over a year.
Morkel: ODI Format Brings Fresh Energy After Test Defeat
India have been shaken by their recent Test match losses, especially at home. But Morkel believes shifting to the white-ball environment can help the group breathe again.
“It’s a change of colour and a change of ball,” he said. “That always brings different energy.”
However, Morkel warned that South Africa’s confidence is high after the Test triumph.
“A confident Proteas team is a dangerous team,” he said. “We must start well and play solid cricket over the next two weeks.”
With fresh conditions, new squad roles, and a shorter time frame, the ODI series becomes a test of how quickly India can adapt emotionally and tactically.
Kohli and Rohit Return to ODIs with World Cup 2027 in Mind
Morkel emphasised the importance of having Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back for the ODI series. The pair retired from Tests earlier this year but remain fully invested in India’s white-ball goals.
“Playing against them gave me sleepless nights,” Morkel joked. “So I know what they bring. Their bodies can definitely last till 2027.”
The idea of Rohit and Kohli targeting another ODI World Cup appears increasingly real. Their experience is invaluable—especially at a moment when India need direction after a draining Test campaign.
Team Combination Hinges on Ranchi Pitch Behaviour
India trained around two covered pitches on Friday, and early signs suggested a lively surface more reminiscent of South African conditions: good bounce, carry, and an even pace profile.
That makes the final XI selection intriguing.
If the pitch remains firm, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s seam-bowling allrounder skills gain value.
If it slows down later, Washington Sundar’s offspin and control become more attractive.
Morkel kept it simple: “We’ll have to look at the wicket again. It looked very good, almost South African-like. Discussions will happen tonight.”
India Searching for Momentum and Identity
This ODI series is more than a bilateral contest—it is India’s attempt to regain stability, confidence, and direction after an emotionally draining month. A win won’t erase the Test defeats, but a strong performance can set the tone for a busy 2026 calendar.
With Gill and Iyer healing well, Kohli and Rohit offering leadership, and younger players pushing for roles, India have the pieces to rebuild. The next week will show whether they can start putting them together.
Jaiswal’s Big ODI Break Arrives at a Crucial Moment
With Gill unavailable, Yashasvi Jaiswal finally gets an extended run in ODIs. India have struggled to fit him into the 50-over setup because of their crowded top order, but the Ranchi ODI gives him the perfect chance to show maturity beyond his age. His form against the new ball and ability to accelerate through the middle overs will be closely scrutinised. A strong performance could cement his place for the long term.
Pant vs Tilak: The No. 4 Debate Intensifies
India’s search for a stable No. 4 continues. With Iyer recovering, the spot becomes an open contest between Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma. Pant offers explosiveness and experience in pressure situations, while Tilak provides balance, left-handed stability, and a more classical ODI structure. The team management is expected to experiment in this series, making every innings crucial in shaping India’s long-term middle-order blueprint.
South Africa enter the ODIs with real conviction after their Test series victory. Their bowling group is confident, their batting unit looks settled, and their dressing room is buzzing. Morkel emphasised that stopping the Proteas early will be key. If India allow them to dictate the powerplay or win the middle overs, the momentum could swing heavily in South Africa’s favour in a short three-match series.
India’s Fast-Bowling Puzzle Ahead of Ranchi Opener
With the Ranchi surface offering bounce and carry, India must decide how many pacers to field. The combination of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and either Prasidh Krishna or the young Nitish Kumar Reddy gives India multiple seam options. But workload management and the need for an extra spinner complicate matters. This ODI will reveal how India want to shape their bowling strategy moving forward.
Despite the immediate pressure, this series subtly marks the beginning of India’s planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Roles, backups, fitness cycles, and batting combinations will be evaluated through this entire white-ball season. Gill and Iyer remain central to that long-term plan, but India must prepare contingency routes. Morkel’s comments show the team is already aligning its decisions with the future.
