Gill Ruled Out of Guwahati Test; Pant to Lead India Against South Africa

India suffered a significant setback ahead of the second Test against South Africa, beginning Friday in Guwahati, with opener Shubman Gill ruled out due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant will step in as captain.

Medical Advice Forces Gill Out

Gill has not recovered sufficiently from the neck spasms that forced him to retire hurt after facing just three balls during India’s first innings in Kolkata. He was later admitted to hospital and eventually ruled out of the remainder of the match.

Medical opinion suggests a high risk of recurrence if Gill returns to action too soon, prompting the recommendation for extended rest. The injury could also influence his availability for the three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30. The squad for that series will be announced on November 23.

India Weighing Replacement Options

With Gill unavailable, India must select between Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, or Nitish Kumar Reddy as his replacement in the XI. None of the three have yet cemented a Test berth, making the decision a crucial one for the team management.

Gill’s Persistent Neck Issues

This marks Gill’s second recent absence due to a similar injury, having missed a Test against New Zealand in October 2024 because of neck spasms. India lost the Kolkata Test by 30 runs after collapsing to 93 all out in their chase of 124 on a pitch offering uneven bounce.

Pant to Captain in Crucial Match

Pant, who has served as vice-captain, will now lead India in a match they must win to level the two-Test series. His leadership comes at a critical juncture as India attempt to bounce back from their opening defeat.