Shubman Gill is showing signs of improvement and is expected to return to action soon, most likely for the five-match T20I series against South Africa starting December 9.

The India Test and ODI captain, currently undergoing rehab at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, is believed to have impressed the CoE managers with his fitness progress, and there is a possibility he will receive the all-clear soon.

At the CoE, he batted for a considerable length of time over the last couple of days without showing any signs of discomfort. The selectors, it is understood, want to know not only if he can bat but also if he can field. The indication is that Gill, who is still at the CoE, has ticked both boxes.

The squad for the five-match series is yet to be announced, but Gill - out of action since Day 2 of the Eden Test with neck spasms - is expected to make the cut. His exact return match isn't clear, but his chances of featuring in the series are strong, especially as the team's vice-captain building up to next year's World Cup.

The squad announcement is likely in a day or two, if not on Wednesday (December 3). Gill is set to link up with the group in Bhubaneswar on December 7 and, even if he misses the opener in Cuttack, he should be in contention for the remaining games, scheduled for December 11 (New Chandigarh), 14 (Dharamsala), 17 (Lucknow) and 19 (Ahmedabad).