Shubman Gill Injury: Who Will Replace Him for the 2nd Test?

Team India captain Shubman Gill has been discharged from Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata, but his condition still raises serious concerns. The cervical collar around his neck and gauze on the back of his hand indicate the extent of his injury. During the first Test, Gill had to retire hurt and could not come out to bat in the second innings. With doctors advising him several days of rest, his availability for the second Test in Guwahati has become doubtful, putting India in a tricky situation.

If Gill is ruled out, the big question is who will replace him as the opener. The competition for that spot is currently between Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. Sudharsan has been with the squad for a while but hasn’t produced a standout performance recently. Padikkal, on the other hand, is in excellent domestic form, having scored a superb 150 in a recent unofficial Test against Australia A. This has intensified the debate over who deserves the spot if Gill fails to recover in time.

Former India captain Anil Kumble has already voiced his opinion, stating that Sai Sudharsan should be the preferred replacement if Gill is unavailable. “If India continues with six bowlers, only one change is needed — Sudharsan for Gill,” he said. With Gill’s recovery still uncertain and the team’s combination at stake, the selection call for the second Test will be crucial. All eyes are now on the medical update and the team management’s final decision.