India's preparations for the second Test against South Africa have taken a sudden turn, with indications that captain Shubman Gill may not recover in time for the crucial match in Guwahati. As a precaution,
the team management has reportedly summoned all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to join the squad earlier than expected, according to a report by timesofindia.com.
Nitish, who is part of India's Test squad for the two-match series, had been released for the opening Test in Kolkata due to the expected surface and team combination. Instead, he was asked to represent India A in the ongoing unofficial ODI series against South Africa A in Rajkot to gain valuable game time.
The 22-year-old made a solid contribution in the first one-dayer, scoring 37 runs and picking up 1/18, though the second match offered him no opportunities with bat or ball. With the series already decided, the think tank now appears keen to have him available ahead of the Guwahati Test as doubts grow around Gill's fitness.
Nitish has featured in nine Tests since his debut during the Australia tour last year, collecting 386 runs at an average of 29.69, including a memorable century. His medium pace has also proven useful, yielding eight wickets so far in his young career. His versatility makes him a potential option should a reshuffle be needed in the batting order or all-round department.
Meanwhile, India's Test squad is set to travel to Guwahati on Wednesday. But Gill's situation remains uncertain, with a PTI report revealing that the skipper has been advised strict rest following the neck injury he sustained on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test.
"He (Gill) has acute neck pain, and we're not allowed to further go into details about the injury. He has to keep continuing wearing the neck collar," a source told PTI. "He has been advised three-four days' rest and not to take flight. In this situation, he is not advised to travel to Guwahati. But we are monitoring his progress on a daily basis, and the picture will be clearer by Tuesday. "
India trail the series 0-1 after a 30-run defeat inside three days, and with the captain doubtful, the search for a suitable replacement has become a pressing concern.
