India captain Shubman Gill remains uncertain for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, starting November 22, after sustaining a neck injury during the series opener in Kolkata. Despite the setback and the high stakes of the decider, the national selectors are unlikely to draft an additional batter into the squad.
Gill was forced to retire hurt after facing just three balls in the first innings at Eden Gardens and did not return to bat in the second innings. His absence proved critical in India’s collapse, which resulted in a third-day defeat in the opening match of the two-Test series. Beyond his runs, Gill’s role as captain and stabiliser at the top of the order was noticeably missed.
Though he has been discharged from a Kolkata hospital, the team management remains cautious. Given the sensitivity surrounding neck injuries and a packed calendar leading into the T20 World Cup in February–March 2026, doctors and selectors will not risk fielding him unless he is declared fully fit. A final assessment is expected by Thursday.
Even if Gill is ruled out, no replacement batter is likely to be flown in. India already has sufficient depth within the current squad. B. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal both specialist batters were named as reserves for the Kolkata Test. Additionally, Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to rejoin the squad in Guwahati after completing duties with India A in their ODIs against South Africa A.
With options available, the responsibility now shifts to the team management to assemble a stronger, more settled combination as India aims to level the series and keep its World Test Championship hopes alive.
