Gautam Gambhir summons Nitish Kumar Reddy to replace Shubman Gill, Reddy goes absent

India’s preparations for the second and final Test against South Africa have taken a dramatic turn, with Nitish Kumar Reddy being urgently called back into the squad earlier than planned. India and South Africa are all set to face each other in the final Test in Guwahati from November 22.

Nitish Kumar Reddy had been released just last week to play for India A in their one-day series against South Africa A, but the team management has now summoned the young all-rounder ahead of schedule as they reassess their options for the final Test.

India summons Nitish Kumar Reddy as Shubman Gill’s injury threatens plans

Earlier, BCCI had stated Reddy would join directly for the second Test, but Shubman Gill’s injury shook India’s plans. Gill’s fitness remains the biggest concern heading into the Guwahati Test.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Read Also: Andre Russell spotted in IPL Rival kit after being released by KKR

The Indian captain collapsed while playing a sweep shot in the first test and walked off after facing only three balls due to a neck spasm. He was hospitalized under the care of Dr. Dinesh Pardiwala. However, the Indian captain has been discharged from a Kolkata hospital.

The right-handed batter is expected to travel with the Indian team to Guwahati on Wednesday (November 19), but his chances of playing are uncertain. The medical staff continues to monitor Gill closely, but there is a high chance that he will travel to Guwahati separately and miss the game against South Africa.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is yet to join the team at Eden Gardens.

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) November 18, 2025

Nitish Kumar Reddy to prepare at Eden Gardens as India prepare for the must-win Guwahati Test

Meanwhile, as reported by the Times of India, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been summoned early by the Indian team management. Reddy has already rejoined the Test squad in Kolkata, and he will take part in the team’s optional training session at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday, November 18.

The Indian all-rounder played only one 50-over game for India A, scoring 37 and picking up 1/18 in Rajkot against South Africa A. His return to the Test squad means Reddy will miss the third India A game on November 19 in Rajkot.

For India, Reddy’s versatility makes him a valuable backup option, especially with the national team trying to keep their left-right combinations balanced.

Read Also: Yograj Singh openly says 'Want To Die', blaming Yuvraj Singh

Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan may warm the bench in Guwahati

However, Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan are available on the bench, but Reddy is all but sure in India’s XI for the second and final Test against South Africa as the hosts aim to level the series after losing the first game by 30 runs.

Notably, Guwahati prepares to host its first-ever Test match. After the opening Test ended inside three days, India desperately needed to bounce back and level the series 1–1. After the Test series, the two teams will also play three ODIs and five T20Is.