India captain Shubman Gill has received a positive injury update ahead of the opening ODI against West Indies after suffering a blow to his elbow during a practice session in Thiruvananthapuram. The incident initially raised concerns over his availability for the upcoming white-ball series, but India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has provided reassurance.

Speaking to the media on September 26, Kotak confirmed that Gill’s elbow injury is not serious enough to keep him out of the first ODI. The Indian captain is therefore expected to lead the team when India face West Indies at the Greenfield Stadium on Sunday, September 27. “I think he is fine; he is good to play,” Kotak said while providing an update on Gill’s condition.

The India vs West Indies series will begin with a three-match ODI contest before the teams meet in a five-match T20I series. Gill’s availability is particularly important for India given his role as both captain and a key top-order batter.

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The injury scare occurred during India’s net session on September 25. Gill was struck on the elbow by a length delivery from experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj. The batter immediately dropped his bat and walked off the field after appearing to be in considerable discomfort.

Gill subsequently received treatment from India’s physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain and reportedly spent around 20 minutes with the team’s medical staff. Although he was attended to by the medical team, the right-handed batter did not return to batting for the remainder of the practice session. Siraj and senior batter Virat Kohli were also seen checking on the Indian captain following the incident, highlighting the concern within the team camp.

I think he is fine, he is good to play: Kotak on Shubman Gill’s injury scare.

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) September 26, 2026

The timing of Gill’s injury scare added to the attention surrounding India’s fitness situation. Several players have recently dealt with injury concerns, while Hardik Pandya continues his recovery ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy and Nitish Kumar Reddy have also recently returned to the squad after dealing with their respective fitness issues.

For now, however, India have little reason to worry about their captain. Kotak’s update should provide considerable relief to the team management and supporters ahead of the series opener.

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Gill’s presence will be important as India begin their preparations for the upcoming white-ball assignments. With the 2027 ODI World Cup also forming part of the longer-term picture, regular opportunities for the captain to lead and contribute with the bat could prove significant. The focus will now shift to Sunday’s ODI, where Gill is expected to walk out at the Greenfield Stadium and lead India against West Indies.