Massive set-back for Team India as Shubman Gill misses out; surprise new captain for 2nd Test vs South Africa
India suffer a major blow as captain Shubman Gill is ruled out of the 2nd Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to a neck injury. Rishabh Pant to lead as the hosts aim for a comeback in the first-ever Test at Barsapara Stadium.
The Indian cricket team landed in Guwahati on Wednesday, hoping to put behind the disappointment of their loss in the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. The second and final Test of the series will be historic, marking the first-ever Test match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Assam. But India’s preparation has been overshadowed by skipper Shubman Gill’s injury setback, which has left the top order looking vulnerable.
Gill injured his neck while batting on Day 2 in Kolkata and was unable to take the field thereafter. He did not bat in India’s second innings either, as the hosts crumbled in a chase of 124, handing South Africa a rare victory on Indian soil. The defeat hurt India’s proud home record and exposed gaps in their batting, now further stretched with Gill’s unavailability.
A video of India’s arrival in Guwahati surfaced on social media with Gill seen without a neck brace but still struggling to move his head comfortably. According to reports from the Indian Express, the 26-year-old has been ruled out of the Guwahati Test beginning Saturday. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant will step up to lead the side, while young left-hander Sai Sudharsan is likely to be drafted into the playing XI.
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The BCCI issued a statement confirming that Gill is recovering well but will continue to be monitored by the medical team. “A decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly,” the board had initially stated, but the latest update suggests India will not risk their captain as the injury remains sensitive.
India now face a must-win situation to level the short series. With home pride at stake and several batting concerns to address, Rohit Sharma’s absence and Gill’s injury leave a heavy responsibility on the middle order. The team had an optional training session with Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep and Devdutt Padikkal among those who hit the nets.
Play will begin at 9 a.m. on all five days, with a unique twist in scheduling, tea will be taken before lunch for the first time in Test cricket history. India will hope the change brings a spark as they seek redemption in Guwahati.
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