The fifth and final T20I between India and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium has kicked off with a massive personnel shift following the exclusion of India’s vice-captain, Shubman Gill.
Shubman Gill sidelined for T20I series decider between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad
During the toss on December 19, 2025, skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the star opener would miss the series finale due to an injury sustained during a practice session in Lucknow. With India leading the five-match series 2-1, this final encounter has transformed into a high-stakes audition for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, as the team management explores alternative opening combinations. The absence of Gill has paved the way for the return of Sanju Samson. As South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bowl, both teams revealed multiple changes to their playing XIs, reflecting a mix of tactical rotations and injury-forced adjustments.
“Gill picked up a niggle in Lucknow, so Sanju comes in,” Suryakumar said during the toss.
BCCI confirms captain Suryakumar Yadav’s update on Gill
The official reason for Gill’s absence from the Ahmedabad decider is a right-foot impact injury, an update confirmed by the BCCI medical team shortly after the toss. Providing clarity on the situation, the BCCI stated, “Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow; he is improving but remains unavailable for selection.” While the injury is the immediate cause, Gill’s exclusion comes amidst a significant statistical slump that has seen the 25-year-old struggle to justify his promotion to the vice-captaincy.
𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow.
After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final…
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 19, 2025
In 15 T20I innings throughout 2025, Gill has managed only 291 runs at a lackluster average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, failing to register a single fifty-plus score since July 2024. This “lean patch” has coincided with difficult tours of Australia and the ongoing home rubber, where he has consistently failed to provide the explosive starts required in the modern T20 format. With the 2026 T20 World Cup just two months away, this forced break might actually serve as a reset for Gill, though it simultaneously allows rivals like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to stake a claim for his starting spot.
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Key team changes for India and South Africa in the 5th T20I
Beyond the headline-grabbing absence of Gill, both India and South Africa have opted for significant tactical reshuffles to exploit the unique conditions of the Narendra Modi Stadium. For the hosts, the return of local hero Jasprit Bumrah in place of Harshit Rana stands as the most impactful change, as the premier pacer returns to bolster the attack in his home city.
Additionally, the spin department saw a swap with Washington Sundar replacing Kuldeep Yadav, a move likely influenced by Sundar’s intimate knowledge of the track as a Gujarat Titans regular and his ability to lengthen the batting order. South Africa, too, made a calculated adjustment by bringing in spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde for the express pace of Anrich Nortje, indicating that the Proteas expect the pitch to offer grip and turn as the game progresses. Captain Markram highlighted the importance of the toss, choosing to bowl first to capitalize on the anticipated dew factor that often plagues the side bowling second in Ahmedabad.
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