Bowling coach Morne Morkel provides update on Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami

Perth: India's promising young opening batsman Shubman Gill has suffered a minor setback ahead of the upcoming series after injuring his thumb during a match simulation in Perth on November 16.

However, the 25-year-old's resilience remains unshaken as he continues his recovery, with hopes of returning to full fitness soon.

The injury occurred while Gill was fielding in the slips, but he showed remarkable determination by returning to bat later in the session. In the second innings, he remained unbeaten on 42*, a testament to his grit and composure under pressure.

India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, acknowledged the setback but pointed out that Gill’s recovery would be a “day-to-day process,” and emphasised the need for the young opener to adapt to the varying conditions. "He’s here for a reason—he has the skill and talent. It’s about continuing to work hard," Morkel said on Wednesday.

Gill’s injury comes during a stellar run of form this season, where he has accumulated 806 runs in 10 matches across 19 innings, with an average of over 47. This includes three centuries and fifties, with a highest score of 119*.

His performances at the number three spot have been equally impressive, with 926 runs from 14 matches, averaging 42.09. His consistency makes him one of India’s most reliable top-order batsmen, and the team is hopeful that he will regain full fitness ahead of the series.

Morkel remains confident that Gill will play a significant role in the series once fully recovered. The coach highlighted that the team’s focus will be on helping Gill adapt to conditions while pushing him to extract the best from his natural ability. “For us as a team, it’s about breaking barriers and making our mark,” Morkel added.

Mohammed Shami’s return to cricket has been another key development for India. After recovering from an ankle injury, Shami impressed with seven wickets for Bengal in a recent Ranji Trophy match.

Morkel referred to Shami as a “world-class bowler,” stressing the importance of managing his workload as he regains match fitness. “It’s a massive win to see him back. His experience and leadership will be crucial for us,” Morkel said.

The bowling coach also expressed optimism about young bowlers Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, both of whom add variety to India’s pace attack. “Harshit bowls with pace and extracts bounce, which can be very useful in certain conditions,” Morkel noted. Both bowlers are considered exciting prospects for India’s future.

He acknowledged the pressure on India’s relatively young batting lineup but expressed excitement about their potential. “Pressure is inevitable for a young squad. The key will be to build partnerships and break the game into manageable sessions,” he said. Morkel added that the players have the talent to rise to the occasion against quality opposition.

Virat Kohli’s work ethic and intensity in training were also highlighted by Morkel. “Virat sets the highest standards. His relentless focus during net sessions is a masterclass for younger players,” Morkel explained. Kohli’s approach continues to inspire the entire team.

The India Bowling coach stressed the importance of partnerships and using all-rounders strategically to ease the workload on fast bowlers. “All-rounders are vital in balancing the team and managing the game,” he stated.

Among the rising stars, Morkel singled out Nitesh Reddy for his hard-hitting ability and potential as a game-changer in conditions with seam movement. “His role in balancing the team will be crucial,” Morkel said.

Reflecting on the upcoming series, he acknowledged the pressure due to past performances but remained confident. “This series is an opportunity to embrace the challenge and focus on playing solid cricket,” Morkel concluded.