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India captain Shubman Gill suffered an elbow injury scare during a practice session in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, just two days before the first ODI against West Indies.
Gill was batting in the nets when a rising delivery from Mohammed Siraj struck his right elbow. The India captain immediately stopped batting and appeared to be in considerable pain before leaving the nets for medical attention.
The incident occurred during India's preparations for the three-match ODI series, with the opening match scheduled for September 27 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Gill's availability yet to be confirmed
Gill received treatment from India's support staff following the blow. Reports said he spent an extended period being assessed and had his elbow attended to by the physio.
There has been no official confirmation from the BCCI that Gill has been ruled out of the first ODI. That distinction is important, with the injury occurring less than 48 hours before India's series opener.
India's official squad lists Gill as captain for the three-match ODI series against West Indies.
Rohit and Kohli return for the ODI series
The injury scare comes as India prepare for a series that also marks the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI setup.
Both senior batters were included in India's squad for the West Indies series, alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and other members of the new-look ODI group.
The series is part of India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, making Gill's availability particularly relevant as the team works on its combination in the 50-over format.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel had also spoken about Gill's leadership ahead of the series, praising his work as captain and highlighting the value of having experienced players such as Rohit and Kohli around him.
India vs West Indies ODI series
The first ODI will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, followed by the second ODI in Guwahati on September 30 and the third match in New Chandigarh on October 3.
West Indies will be led by Shai Hope, with Cricket West Indies naming a 15-member squad for the ODI series.
For India, the immediate question is whether Gill will recover sufficiently from the elbow blow to lead the side in Sunday's opener. Until the team provides an official fitness update, the incident remains an injury scare rather than a confirmed absence.
