Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa due to a neck spasm, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant stepping in as the stand-in skipper. Gill’s absence comes after India’s heavy defeat in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, where they lost within three days of play.
The upcoming match in Guwahati promises a different challenge, with pitch conditions expected to favour pace and bounce, making the role of spinners crucial for both teams.
Shubman Gill Officially Released from Squad
Shubman Gill has officially been released from India’s squad ahead of the second Test in Guwahati. The opener, who suffered a severe neck spasm, was hospitalized in Kolkata and could not participate in training on November 20th.
While he initially traveled with the team to the next venue, the physios likely restricted him from playing to avoid aggravating the injury.
Gill is set to fly back to Mumbai to rest before consulting Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala for further evaluation. At present, there is no confirmation on whether he will feature in the upcoming South Africa white-ball series or join the BCCI Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation.
His absence leaves India short of one of their key batters, putting additional responsibility on the remaining top-order players.
Rishabh Pant to Lead, Nitish Kumar Reddy Included
With Shubman Gill unavailable, Rishabh Pant, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain, will lead the Indian team in Guwahati. The second Test is scheduled to begin on November 22nd.
Reports indicate that India may make bold adjustments to their playing XI. Nitish Kumar Reddy, the all-rounder, is expected to replace a spinner, while Sai Sudharsan is likely to return following consistent participation in practice sessions since the Kolkata Test.
Axar Patel may be benched once again due to an abundance of left-handed batters in the lineup. The combination of Nitish and Sai Sudharsan could bring balance to the team, providing depth in both batting and bowling departments.
Guwahati Pitch to Offer Pace and Bounce
The Eden Gardens pitch drew criticism after India’s defeat, with head coach Gautam Gambhir taking full responsibility for the surface. However, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak offered a contrasting perspective, stating that the pitch deteriorated unexpectedly.
“After a day, it felt like it was crumbling. There was a little bit of soil that came up after the ball pitched. That was not expected,” Kotak explained.
In contrast, Guwahati is expected to produce a redder soil patch, which should offer more pace and bounce for the pacers. This change could test India’s spinners, who are likely to play a pivotal role, while also providing a more balanced contest between bat and ball.
How the pitch behaves will be key in determining India’s strategy for team selection and bowling rotations.
Looking Ahead: India’s Chances Without Gill
India’s chances of leveling the series now rest on the shoulders of Rishabh Pant and the restructured lineup. The team management faces critical decisions in balancing the side with the right mix of batters, all-rounders, and bowlers to cope with the Guwahati conditions.
Pant’s leadership, combined with contributions from Nitish Kumar Reddy, Sai Sudharsan, and the experienced bowlers, will be crucial in India’s bid to bounce back.
The series decider promises an intense contest, with India looking to recover from their opening Test defeat while South Africa aims to continue their dominance. Gill’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but a well-prepared Indian side may still have the firepower to challenge the visitors on a pitch expected to test both skill and temperament.
