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Shubman Gill ruled out of Guwahati Test with neck spasm, Rishabh Pant to captain: Report

Akshita Patel

Shubman Gill likely out of Guwahati Test [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @Rishabh_Pant_FC/X.com]Shubman Gill likely out of Guwahati Test [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @Rishabh_Pant_FC/X.com]

India are likely to face a major setback ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Captain Shubman Gill is reportedly ruled out due to a neck injury. 

Gill had hurt himself while batting during the first Test in Kolkata and did not take the field during South Africa’s second innings. 

He also couldn’t bat in India’s chase of 124, which India eventually lost by 30 runs.

Rishabh Pant likely to be the stand-in captain

The injury was serious enough for Shubman Gill to be taken to a Kolkata hospital for tests and observation. 

Although he responded well to treatment and travelled to Guwahati, the Indian Express reports that he is not fit enough to play. 

India will likely be led by vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who returns to Test captaincy at a crucial moment, with the hosts needing a win to level the series. 

With Gill likely to be unavailable, left-handed opener Sai Sudharsan might be slotted into the playing XI. 

The 23-year-old has been in good domestic form and was part of India’s optional practice session at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, which also featured Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Devdutt Padikkal.

Gill’s absence is a blow not just because he is the captain, but because he has also been India’s most consistent red-ball batter in recent months.

In England, the skipper scored over 700 runs in five Tests with a career-best knock of 269. However, rushing him at this stage might jeopardise his future.

BCCI yet to call an injury replacement for Shubman Gill

With the series on the line after the Kolkata defeat, India urgently need a right-hander who can counter off-spinner Simon Harmer and also fill Shubman Gill’s shoes.

However, a PTI report claims the team management lacks trust in options outside the squad, that is, Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran, despite their strong spin-playing credentials. 

Bringing in any of them is seen as signalling a lack of faith in the current youngsters. This leaves India with left-handers Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, neither fully convincing, or the possibility of Dhruv Jurel at No. 3.