WATCH: Shubman Gill hits nets despite rain, eyes comeback after thumb injury

Star India batter Shubman Gill, has provided an optimistic update on his recovery from a thumb injury as he resumed training ahead of the pink-ball warm-up game against the Australian PM’s XI. The injury sidelined him from the first Test against Australia in Perth, but his return to practice signals promising signs for Team India as they navigate the ongoing five-match series.

Gill participated in an intense net session on Friday, facing bowlers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep. Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI, Gill shared his excitement about returning to the field: "I was just trying to get a feel, see how the injury is reacting, if any kind of soreness is there, but it went much better than what I and Kamlesh bhai (Kamlesh Jain, physio) expected. Very happy with that."

Here is the video:

Shubman Gill hits the nets for the first time since his thumb injury that forced him to miss the Perth Test.

Here’s how the star batter is shaping up! #TeamIndia | #AUSvIND | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/sZtbvQhgLn

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 29, 2024

The opener admitted to feeling disappointed when the injury ruled him out of the series opener, especially since it marked his first potential appearance at the iconic Perth venue. "When I got to know about my injury, the first couple of days I was quite low and disappointed. Perth is such an iconic venue and the only one we didn’t play at last time. But the way we performed as a team brought me back into a positive frame of mind," he added.

India would be keen to continue their dominance!

India didn't miss Gill’s presence in the first Test, as they registered a resounding 295-run victory. However, his strong performances during the previous tour of Australia make him a key asset for the remainder of the series. In his absence, Devdutt Padikkal filled in at No. 3 but struggled to make an impact, increasing the likelihood of Gill’s return to the playing XI.

A conundrum lies ahead for India’s team management. With KL Rahul delivering a strong performance as an opener in skipper Rohit Sharma's absence, Gill might be considered for a lower batting position. The warm-up game will offer the team an opportunity to test various combinations and finalize the best lineup for the upcoming matches.

As Gill’s recovery progresses, India hopes to see him back in full flow, offering his trademark class and consistency at the crease. His return could be pivotal in India’s quest to maintain momentum in this high-stakes series.