IND vs SA: Who can fill Gill’s shoes in 2nd Test?

• India lost 1st Test to South Africa. Gill's fitness in doubt due to neck spasm.
• Kumble suggests Sai Sudharsan replaces Gill if unfit for 2nd Test in Guwahati.
• Padikkal is an option, but could lead to a left-handed top order, favoring Harmer.

After the Indian cricket team went down against the World Test Champions, South Africa by 30-run margin in the first Test at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, November 16, they will look to avenge the defeat

in the second Test, scheduled to be played from November 22 to 26 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. While the defeat came as a shock with the Eden Gardens pitch proving to assist spinners more as the days progressed.

While the Men in Blue will be hoping to come out good, they are sweating on the fitness of their red-ball captain, Shubman Gill. The Indian top-order batter sustained a neck spasm on Day 2 of the first Test and was ruled out of the remainder game after being admitted to a local hospital. However, Gill is finally out, but continues to be monitored closely.

Anil Kumble picks Sai Sudharsan over Devdutt Padikkal for second Test

However, his participation in the second Test looks doubtful, the Indian side might go with either of Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal if Gill fails to make a return. Seeing this, former India spinner Anil Kumble was asked who could be seen making his way into the side if Gill continues to miss out. Speaking to the broadcasters after the first Test, Kumble said, “India will certainly be hoping that Shubman Gill is fit for the next Test. If he isn’t, Sai Sudharsan will likely come back in. If India continues with six bowlers - two pacers and four spinners - then the rest of the team should remain the same. That might be the only change.”

The former India cricketer further told Star Sports, “If India chooses not to go with that combination, the other batting option is Devdutt Padikkal. However, bringing him in would make the entire top order left-handed, which could invite someone like Simon Harmer to come in and bowl all day.” Kumble also opined that India would be looking to stick with two pacers unless the pitch turns out to be green top.

India's updated squad for Test series against South Africa:

Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep