Skipper Shubman Gill is set to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, with his neck injury expected to take longer to heal, BCCI sources told PTI on Saturday. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and senior player KL Rahul are in contention for stop-gap captaincy. Chances of Gill playing the subsequent T20I series versus the Proteas, from December 9, also look bleak.

According to BCCI sources, Gill’s injury isn’t limited to a neck spasm and will require extensive rest, prompting the team management to avoid any risk of rushing him back. Gill, who suffered a whiplash while batting in the opening Test in Kolkata, missed the Guwahati Test due to the injury. He is currently in Mumbai undergoing medical tests, including an MRI, to determine the extent of the damage.