Sai Sudharsan In, Shubman Out!

Indian captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the must-win second Test against South Africa in Guwahati after suffering a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata. Gill did not bat in India’s second innings while chasing 124 and his absence was felt heavily as India fell short by 30 runs. Although he travelled with the team to Guwahati in the hope of recovering in time, he has not been cleared to play due to the risk of the injury worsening over a five-day match.

In Gill’s absence, 24-year-old top-order batter Sai Sudharsan will join the playing XI. Sudharsan, who made his Test debut in England earlier this year, has played five Tests so far, scoring 273 runs with a top score of 87 against West Indies in October. He was part of the squad for the South Africa series but did not feature in the first Test. His inclusion provides stability at the top order as India look to level the two-match series.

Gill was briefly admitted to a Kolkata hospital after sustaining the neck injury on Day 2 of the first Test but was later discharged. Although he has improved, medical advice suggests he needs at least another 10 days to fully recover and complete rehabilitation. With the ODI series beginning on November 30, selectors are likely to rest him, giving him time to return fully fit for the T20s against South Africa.