IND vs SA 2nd Test: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Shubman Gill will accompany the Indian squad to Guwahati ahead of the second Test against South Africa, beginning
November 22. Gill, who sustained a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata, had been taken to a city hospital for further evaluation before being discharged.
In its official statement, the BCCI reiterated that the Indian captain has shown steady improvement and has been cleared to travel. The board added, "Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day's play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day. "
Providing an update on his progress, it further stated, "Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly. "
Gill was spotted at Kolkata airport with a cervical brace, indicating that the medical team is restricting movement around the affected area. While he has not been ruled out entirely, his availability will only be confirmed closer to the match. India are keen to have their skipper fit after falling to a surprising 30-run defeat in the series opener.
The injury occurred in dramatic fashion late on Day 2, when Gill appeared to jerk his neck after slog-sweeping Simon Harmer to the boundary. He immediately clutched the back of his neck, struggled to rotate it, and retired hurt soon after. Former India captain and CAB president Sourav Ganguly met Gill the next morning, checked on his condition, and spoke to hospital staff, revealing that the opener remained in good spirits.
Should Gill be unavailable, India will be forced to rework their batting combination. Both Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal trained intensely during Tuesday's optional session, though team management may hesitate to add yet another left-hander after Harmer's eight-wicket impact in Kolkata. Nitish Reddy has rejoined the squad as a right-handed batting option, while selectors could also consider reinforcing the group from outside the current squad.
Workload concerns surrounding Gill-who has featured in every major assignment across formats in recent months-are likely to play a key role in the final decision.
