Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has offered strong support to India’s young captain Shubman Gill, saying the batter is fully capable of handling his own workload despite growing concerns after a neck injury forced him out of the first Test against South Africa.
With India now unsure about Gill’s availability for the second Test in Guwahati, his fitness and leadership have suddenly become major talking points.
Gill’s Injury Puts Second Test in Question
Gill suffered the injury during India’s first innings of the opening Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. After facing only three balls, he appeared uncomfortable, called for immediate medical help, and walked off the field.
His condition worsened overnight, leading to hospitalisation and ruling him out of the rest of the match. India went on to lose the Test by 30 runs, a disappointing result in a game where South Africa set only a modest target of 124.
With the second Test now just around the corner, Gill’s participation looks uncertain. The team management is yet to give a clear update, and fans remain anxious about whether the captain will recover in time.
“Gill Can Speak for Himself” — Bhuvneshwar Stands Firm
Despite the rising debate on whether Gill, as captain, is taking on too much workload too soon, Bhuvneshwar dismissed the idea that the 25-year-old needs stricter supervision.
Speaking at the launch of his new cricket app, CricGiri, the 35-year-old made his stance very clear.
“Gill has become captain recently. If he so desires, he would speak out for himself,” Bhuvneshwar said. “He is part of the think-tank, part of the decision-making. If he really needs rest, he will say that he needs rest.
Mentally and physically, he is in a position to say that.” The senior pacer stressed that Gill is mature enough to manage his body and workload without anyone needing to intervene on his behalf.
Pressure Mounts After Kolkata Defeat
India’s loss in Kolkata has triggered discussions far beyond Gill’s injury. The Test ended inside three days on a sharply turning surface that produced unpredictable bounce from day one. The nature of the pitch has been questioned heavily, especially because it backfired on India in a game they were expected to dominate at home.
South Africa’s modest total still proved enough, and India’s batting collapse reopened the familiar debate about the team’s approach to home conditions. However, Bhuvneshwar refused to read too much into the noise surrounding the pitch.
Bhuvneshwar Defends India’s Spin-Friendly Strategy
“This is not the first time a spin-friendly track has been prepared,” he said. “No one raised this question before because India was winning. Winning and losing is part of the game.
It’s not that the team has not lost before or it has lost for the first time. I don’t think it’s a big worry.”
India fielded four spinners in the Test — a selection choice that surprised many. But Bhuvneshwar backed the move, saying the conditions demanded it.
“The way the wicket was prepared, we all know the requirement was for four spinners,” he explained. “We had good options and it was a turning track. The way the match went, it was a good decision.”
Leadership and Team Combinations Under Review
With the next Test in Guwahati shaping up to be a must-win, India may need to reconsider both their leadership plan and team combination. The pitch in Guwahati is expected to be far less extreme compared to the one in Kolkata, meaning India could return to a more balanced attack.
But the biggest question is Gill’s availability. If he fails to pass the fitness test, India will not only need a stand-in captain but also a reshuffled batting order at the top.
India Waits on Gill’s Recovery
For now, all eyes remain on Gill’s medical updates. His injury came at a crucial moment for the team, and India’s hopes of leveling the series might depend on whether their young leader can walk out to bat again.
As Bhuvneshwar Kumar put it, Gill knows his body and will ask for rest if he truly needs it. Until then, India must prepare for all possibilities as they chase a comeback in Guwahati.
