Shubman Gill Sidelined with Neck Injury
Shubman Gill has officially been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa, scheduled to take place in Guwahati on November 21 (Friday). The young Indian skipper suffered a neck injury during Day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata and was taken to the hospital for examination. Although he traveled with the team to Guwahati on November 19 in hopes of accelerating his recovery, the BCCI has confirmed that he has not regained full fitness. As a result, he will now fly to Mumbai for further medical assessment.
With Gill unavailable, Rishabh Pant has been named India’s captain for the match. This makes Pant the 38th Test captain for India and the first wicketkeeper-batter to lead the side since MS Dhoni. Gill’s injury may also put his participation in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa in doubt.
Pant to Lead India; Replacement for Gill Yet to Be Finalized
The BCCI issued an official statement noting that Gill was kept under observation after his injury and later discharged. Despite his presence with the squad, medical evaluations deemed him unfit for the second Test. Pant, who has been in fine form, is expected to step into the No. 4 batting position previously occupied by Gill.
The big question now is who will fill the vacant slot in India’s playing XI. Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a strong contender to join the lineup, given his recent performances and versatility. While Pant takes over leadership duties, team management will finalize Gill’s replacement ahead of the match.
As India prepares to face South Africa without their skipper, all eyes will be on Pant’s captaincy debut in Test cricket and the team’s reshuffled middle order.
