The latest buzz is that Shubman Gill could be on his way back to international cricket

There is a fairly strong chance that Shubman Gill will be walking back into a five-match T20 agenda against South Africa starting December 9. In this regard, the 21-year-old, who has been restricted to the sidelines ever since the second day of the Eden Test on account of neck spasms, is presently showing good signs of recovery.

"Slightly better" is how he explained his condition when he spoke via a video call to Hansi Cronje(Vice President, Operations, NPCI) in the afternoon of Monday, November 29. All he wants to do is start playing again, as he feels incredibly unfit sitting idle all the time. Since then, his desire to practice has only grown, now that his chances to fly home look brighter.

In his quest to prove his fitness, the selectors are keen on running him through fielding drills. As of now, the signs are that he will be available both in batting and fielding, lending an important factor to his return.

The T20I squad is still expected to be officially announced, albeit Shubman Gill looks to be in line for a return to the national team. His value to the side, as vice-captain ahead of next year's World Cup, has lent more urgent considerations to force his return to competitive cricket at the earliest.

While it may be safe to say that Shubman Gill would be available for the Indian team when they train in Bhubaneswar on the December 9, if not for the opening match of the series in Cuttack, he might well be given a chance in the remaining games scheduled for December 11 (New Chandigarh), December 14 (Dharamsala), December 17 (Lucknow), and December 19 (Ahmedabad).

Fans may see Shubman Gill back in Indian colors sooner than was thought.