Shubman Gill ruled out of India vs South Africa; replacement finalized

Team India skipper Shubman Gill is unlikely to feature in the second Test against South Africa, set to take place in Guwahati at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium from Saturday, November 22. The team management has to prepare for the decider without their captain, and Sai Sudharsan might return to the playing XI.

Shubman Gill walked off after facing only three balls in the first innings of the Kolkata Test. He played no further part in the game and did not come out to bat during India’s second innings. Chasing a target of 124, the hosts were bowled out for 93 runs in 35 overs and suffered a 30-run defeat in the series opener.

Shubman Gill Forced to Retire Hurt in First Innings of Kolkata Test

Gill came in at No. 4 in the first innings. He started his knock with a sweep for four, but the shot triggered immediate neck pain. The batter left the field after speaking briefly with the medical staff. Gill was later taken to a hospital after Day 2 and was discharged the following day.

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The right-handed batter has recurring neck problems. He has dealt with stiffness and spasms multiple times over the past year, missing the second T20I against Sri Lanka and the first Test against New Zealand in 2024.

The issue has raised concerns about his workload. Gill has been playing continuously across formats while also handling leadership duties, which has increased scrutiny around his physical strain and recovery needs.

Shubman Gill Likely to Miss the Guwahati Test Due to Neck Spasms

According to RevSportz, Shubman is unlikely to be available for the second match. Medical assessments revealed that doctors have recommended at least five days of rest. He was in clear discomfort, wearing a neck brace as he left Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata on Sunday.

“He was also admitted to a private hospital here in Kolkata at Woodlands Hospital, where we at RevSportz were giving you timely updates on what was going on. Shubman Gill was later released on Sunday evening, and we all saw that CCTV footage of him walking out uncomfortably," the reporter said.

"He walked out wearing a neck brace, and what we heard afterward was that he was still in pain. The pain hadn't fully subsided, and the doctors had advised five days of rest. But the latest update is that Shubman Gill is likely out of the second Test match.”

Sai Sudharsan Likely to Return to the XI for the Guwahati Test

Shubman Gill’s availability for the next Test in Guwahati remains uncertain. Doctors want him to begin a set of neck-strengthening exercises first, and only after that will they be able to assess his return timeline.

The batter may need at least five to seven days before he is ready to play again. The ODI series against South Africa begins on November 30, and he is expected to regain fitness in time for that assignment.

In Gill’s absence, Sai Sudharsan is the most likely option to return to the XI for the Guwahati Test. The selectors will also have to decide whether to consider players like Ruturaj Gaikwad or Sarfaraz Khan.

The team is already under pressure after losing the opening Test to South Africa, and there is a possibility of another series defeat at home. Notably, India suffered a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home last year.

Also read: Not Rohit Sharma! India captain for South Africa ODIs finalized after Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer get ruled out