Axar Patel to be dropped as India change plans for Guwahati Test after Shubman Gill's injury

The India National Cricket Team has been rocked by a massive setback ahead of the must-win second and final Test against South Africa in Guwahati, as captain Shubman Gill is all set to miss the game. However, Shuman Gill’s neck injury has put Axar Patel’s place in the playing XI in serious doubt.

The Indian captain travelled with the squad with hopes of proving his fitness, but the BCCI medical team has decided he is still nowhere near ready to take the field. As reported by the Times of India, Gill had planned to test himself with a long batting session in Guwahati.

Axar Patel’s spot in India XI under threat due to Shubman Gill

But the team management doesn’t want to risk making his injury worse. With the three-match ODI series against South Africa coming up later this month, the priority now is to ensure the right-handed batter recovers fully. Gill may also be sent back home from Guwahati to focus on his recovery.

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With Gill out, India’s playing XI puzzle has become even more interesting. Sai Sudharsan, who was left out of the first Test against South Africa because India wanted an extra spinner at the Eden Gardens, is suddenly back in the mix for the final Test in Guwahati.

After India suffered an embarrassing 30-run loss to South Africa in the first Test in Kolkata, the hosts are keen on making a strong comeback in Guwahati, but Gill’s recovery forced the team management to rethink their combination for the series-deciding match, starting on Saturday, November 22.

India set to bring back Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy for Guwahati Test

A Times of India report suggested that the team management has decided to give another chance to Sai Sudharsan, and he is most likely to return to his number three position. Along with Sai, the young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is also being strongly considered for the Guwahati Test.

Reddy was recalled to the Indian Test squad well before he was anticipated to join the side after Gill injured his neck in Kolkata. Now, there is a real chance that both Sai and Reddy could walk straight into the India XI, which would push Axar Patel out of the playing combination.

The report hinted that there could be a last-minute change depending on how the pitch looks on the eve of the match, but the team management seems keen on having both Sai and Nitish in the playing XI for the final Test against South Africa in Guwahati.

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Barsapara Stadium set for Test debut as India keep tight lips on Playing XI

On the other hand, Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium is all set to become India’s 28th Test venue, making its debut on Saturday. However, the pitch at Barsapara Cricket Stadium still carries a noticeable green tinge. But the ground staff is expected to trim the extra grass from the red-soil surface before the match begins, which could change how the game plays out.

Well, India batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, avoided revealing the Playing XI and dismissed talk about changing the lineup just for right-handers. He stressed that matchups don't guarantee wickets, pointing out that both teams faced similar situations in the first Test at Eden Gardens.