New Delhi: Shubman Gill will accompany the Indian team to Guwahati for the second Test against South Africa, with the final call on his availability expected in the coming days. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has provided an update on his condition, confirming that the Test captain is recovering well from the neck injury sustained during the opening match in Kolkata.
Gill suffered the injury on the second day of the first Test and underwent medical examinations after play. He was kept under observation and discharged the following day. According to the board, the opener has responded positively to treatment and will remain under continuous assessment by the medical team throughout the lead-up to the next match.
The injury forced Gill out of action for the remainder of the Kolkata Test. He faced only three deliveries in the first innings before returning to the dressing room and did not bat again. Ahead of the third day’s play, the board confirmed that he would not take further part in the game, leaving India without their captain for the rest of the match.
His absence proved costly as India struggled in the chase during the second innings. With the top order unsettled and Gill unavailable, the team fell short of the modest 124-run target, ending the contest with a disappointing 30-run defeat.
Should Gill fail to recover in time for the second Test, Rishabh Pant will take over the captaincy duties. Team management is also considering potential replacements in the batting lineup, with Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Reddy emerging as possible options.
As India prepares for a crucial match in the series, all eyes remain on Gill’s progress. The team’s plans for the Guwahati Test will hinge on whether the skipper is cleared to take the field following his ongoing medical evaluation.
