Shubman Gill suffers elbow injury scare before West Indies ODI series

India captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury scare during a practice session in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, just two days before the start of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. Gill was struck on the elbow by a rising delivery from Mohammed Siraj while batting in the nets and was left in considerable pain.

The right-hander immediately stopped batting and received medical attention for nearly 20 minutes, PTI reported. The incident briefly raised concerns over his availability for the series opener, particularly with Gill set to lead India in the ODIs. However, he eventually returned to the nets and faced throwdowns before the session ended. There was no immediate indication from the team that the injury would rule him out of the opening match.

Gill's fitness will be closely monitored as India prepare for the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI setup. Both senior batters were part of the team's preparations in Thiruvananthapuram, with India looking to settle their batting combination ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

India bowling coach Morne Morkel backed Gill's leadership and highlighted the value of having experienced players around the young captain.

"I must say that Shubman has done an exceptional job so far leading the team. But I'm always a big believer in your senior players and how they shape the team. I think different players in the team will feel more comfortable speaking to a certain senior individual.

"And we're quite fortunate that we've got a lot of experience and conversations, and that can only be great for the team. So, yeah, we're quite fortunate that we've got that experience with the senior players."

Morkel's comments came as India prepared for a series that brings together a blend of youth and experience. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in the ODI side, Gill will have the opportunity to draw on their experience while continuing to establish himself as India's captain.

The West Indies series is also part of India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the team looking to build greater clarity around its combination in the 50-over format.

The three-match ODI series will begin on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by the second ODI in Guwahati on September 30 and the third and final ODI in New Chandigarh on October 3.- Ends