India received a huge boost ahead of the pink-ball Test match against Australia as regular No. 3 batter Shubman Gill returned to training on Friday (November 29).

Gill, who missed out on the series opener in Perth due to a thumb fracture, hit the nets in Canberra and faced India's second-string pacers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep.

"I was just trying to get a feel to be honest, see how the injury is reacting, if any kind of soreness is there but it went much better than what I and Kamlesh (Jain, physio) expected. Very happy with that," Gill said in a video shared by BCCI on X after the training session.

However, a report published in TOI suggests that Gill's participation in the second Test remains doubtful as he is racing against time to be fit.

The right-hander may not feature in India's pink-ball warm-up game against Australian PM's XI, starting Saturday (November 30) in Canberra.

"Gill was advised a two-week rest by the medical specialist after suffering the injury to his thumb. Today was just about how he ‘feels' the ball while batting in the nets. He's desperate to return and contribute to the team. While he's likely to miss the warm-up match from Saturday and is still doubtful for the second Test, he'll certainly be back from the third Test onwards," TOI quoted a BCCI source as saying.

Speaking with reporters in Canberra on Friday, India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said, "Gill is batting and the evaluation will be done by physios. He looked comfortable while batting. I do not know if he will feature (in the warm-up match)."

If Shubman Gill returns to the playing XI, the visitors have to readjust their entire line-up. India captain Rohit Sharma is set to return to the team as well, which will displace KL Rahul from the top of the order.

With Gill likely to bat at his preferred No. 3 slot, Rahul might have to drop further down the order, possibly at No.5 or No.6.

Having defeated Australia by 295 runs in Perth, Team India are leading the five-match Test series 1-0. The second Test is slated to get underway on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval.