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Shubman Gill (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, Shubman Gill was seen at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday wearing a neck brace as he departed for Guwahati ahead of the second Test against South Africa, starting November 22. Gill suffered a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata and required hospital treatment, raising major concerns about his availability for the upcoming match.
A report from RevSportz revealed that Gill arrived at the airport in a separate vehicle, accompanied closely by the team physio. A video circulating on social media showed the 26-year-old batter checking in at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, visibly wearing a neck support brace.
Gill’s injury and BCCI update
It is important to note that Shubman Gill sustained the injury on Day 2 of the first Test. He did not return to bat in the innings and was taken to a Kolkata hospital for treatment.
The BCCI issued a medical update on November 19, 2025. The board confirmed that Gill is responding well to treatment and has been cleared to travel with the team to Guwahati. However, the situation remains uncertain regarding his participation in the second Test.
It can be said Gill's absence was clearly visible in the series opener. The Indian team fell short and lost to South Africa by 30 runs.
If Gill misses the 2nd Test - Who will replace him?
Although Gill has travelled with the team, there are strong indications that he may not be fully fit to take the field in Guwahati. With Nitish Kumar Reddy rejoining the squad, India now has three possible replacements for Gill (if he is unfit). The three players are B Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Having said this, it will be interesting to see who Gautam Gambhir and the team management select for the second Test.
