Team India's predicted playing XI vs South Africa

India will be aiming to roar back in the Test series after conceding the first match in Kolkata. The first Test of the India-South Africa series at Eden

Gardens ended with South Africa clinching a 30-run victory, marking South Africa's first Test win in India in 15 years.

The match was a low-scoring thriller with South Africa's off-spinner Simon Harmer taking a four-wicket haul and pacer Marco Jansen chipping in with key wickets. India struggled in the chase of 124 on a bowler-friendly pitch and were bowled out for 93.

A significant blow for India was the injury to captain Shubman Gill, who sustained a neck injury on Day 2 during a slog sweep attempt and had to retire hurt. Gill was declared unavailable for the remainder of the match, which affected India's batting depth in the chase.

Shubman Gill has since been discharged from the hospital and is back with the team in Guwahati, but his participation in the second Test remains doubtful. Medical experts have advised Gill at least 4-5 days of rest due to neck spasms, making it uncertain if he will be fit to lead and bat in the Guwahati Test starting November 22. If Gill is ruled out, India is expected to make some changes, especially in the middle order and possibly the captaincy.

Who Could Replace Shubman Gill?

In Gill's probable absence, Sai Sudharsan is a strong contender to replace him. Sudharsan, regarded as a specialist batter, was overlooked for the No. 3 spot in Kolkata in favour of Washington Sundar, a more all-round option. With Gill sidelined, Sudharsan's inclusion would strengthen India's batting lineup. If Sudharsan returns, Washington Sundar might continue at his newly promoted no. 3 position.

In terms of the other composition, there are not many areas for the Indian team to make a change in Guwahati. As per the latest reports, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj look set to spearhead the pace attack, leaving out Akash Deep on the sidelines. If Gill is not available, Rishabh Pant is expected to lead the Indian team at the Barsapara Stadium.

India Probable Playing 11 vs South Africa in 2nd Test

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj