IND vs SA: India will be without regular captain Shubman Gill for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati after the opener failed to recover from the neck spasm that forced him out of action during the series opener in Kolkata.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday that Gill has been released from the squad and will travel to Mumbai for additional medical evaluation.
Gill had arrived in Guwahati earlier this week to assess his readiness for the must-win match, but despite his efforts to prove fitness, the team management opted against risking him. The 26-year-old, who first experienced discomfort while batting on Day 2 at the Eden Gardens, will now be given an extended rest period.
The BCCI detailed the sequence
of events in its statement: "Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of the day's play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day. He travelled to Guwahati on 19th November, 2025. "
The update continued: "Unfortunately, he was not fully fit to feature in the 2nd Test and will head to Mumbai for further assessment of his injury. "
With Gill unavailable, the leadership duties will fall to Rishabh Pant. Addressing the media on the eve of the match, Pant revealed the skipper was eager to play despite the physical setback. "He is doing fine. He is getting better. Shubman was keen to play the match, even though his body didn't allow it. He has that resilience even when his body was not permitting. He wanted to push it for the team. He did lead from the front," Pant said. He added that the team had "mostly. taken the call on who will replace Gill. "
Gill's injury occurred after he attempted a sweep off Simon Harmer and immediately grabbed the back of his neck. He faced only three deliveries in the first innings and did not bat in the second, as India collapsed in a modest chase of 124, losing by 30 runs.
His absence now leaves India with a significant challenge as they try to level the two-match series at the Barsapara Stadium.
