### Shubman Gill's Absence from the 5th T20I Against South Africa: Injury Update Shubman Gill, the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, has been ruled out of the fifth T20I match against South Africa due to a foot injury. This decision comes as India leads the series 2-1, and they are unable to lose the T20I series. Sanju Samson has been named as his replacement in the playing XI for the match held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19, 2025. Gill's injury reportedly occurred during a training session, where he sustained an impact injury to his right foot [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/explained-why-shubman-gill-is-not-playing-5th-t20i-against-south-africa-article-153318183][https://www.businessupturn.com/sports/cricket/ind-vs-sa-5th-t20i-why-is-shubman-gill-not-playing-today-explained]. ### Breakdown of Shubman Gill's Injury Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Shubman Gill suffered an impact injury to his right foot during practice on December 16, 2025 [https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/ind-vs-sa-2025-why-is-shubman-gill-not-playing-in-india-vs-south-africa-5th-t20i]. - The injury has been classified as a toe injury, which has led to his exclusion from the match [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/12/19/5th-t20i-gill-unavailable-for-selection-after-sustaining-impact-injury-to-right-foot]. 2. **Replacement and Team Impact**: - Sanju Samson has been brought in to replace Gill, slotting in as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma [https://www.indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/shubman-gill-ruled-out-of-fifth-t20i-vs-south-africa-india-10425507]. - This change is significant as Gill's absence may affect the team's batting stability, especially given his role as vice-captain [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/will-shubman-gill-be-fit-to-play-ahmedabad-t20i/20251218.htm]. 3. **Context of the Series**: - India currently leads the five-match T20I series against South Africa 2-1, making this match crucial for both teams [https://www.livemint.com/sports/cricket-news/shubman-gill-ruled-out-of-remainder-of-india-vs-south-africa-t20i-series-due-to-foot-injury-report-11765976831821.html]. - The match is being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which has been a venue of significance for T20 matches in India [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/cricket/india-national-cricket-team-vs-south-africa-national-cricket-team-match-players-shubman-gill-not-playing-bcci-official-update-ind-vs-sa-5th-t20i-ahmedabad-10287202]. ### Summary of Findings - **Injury Impact**: Shubman Gill's foot injury has led to his exclusion from the fifth T20I against South Africa, with Sanju Samson stepping in as his replacement. - **Team Dynamics**: The Indian team, currently leading the series, will need to adjust its strategy without Gill, who has been a key player. - **Future Considerations**: The management's cautious approach regarding Gill's injury reflects the importance of player fitness ahead of upcoming tournaments, including the T20 World Cup [https://www.businessupturn.com/sports/cricket/ind-vs-sa-5th-t20i-why-is-shubman-gill-not-playing-today-explained]. In conclusion, Shubman Gill's absence due to injury is a significant development in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, impacting both team composition and strategy as India aims to secure the series victory.