One player suffered a serious spleen injury while attempting to take Alex Carey’s catch in Sydney. Another was injured at Eden Gardens and has now been ruled out of not just the Guwahati Test but also the South Africa series Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill. Team India is eagerly awaiting their return to the field.
Gill, despite being part of the squad for the first Test against South Africa, could not continue. He hit a boundary in the first innings but was forced to leave the field due to injury and did not return. He couldn’t bat in the second innings either. India missed his leadership both at Eden Gardens and in Guwahati. According to sources, every effort is being made to get Gill fit before the T20 series against South Africa.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is gradually recovering. Providing an update, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel said, “I believe the medical team should give the detailed update. I spoke to Shubman two days ago it’s good to hear he’s recovering fast. Shreyas has also started rehab. That’s great news. We are waiting to welcome both back into the squad. The positive thing is that they’re progressing well and preparing for a return.”
However, Shreyas’ rehab is expected to take more time, making him doubtful for the New Zealand series.
In Gill’s absence, KL Rahul will lead India against South Africa. Rahul has already captained India in 16 matches, winning 11 a win percentage of 68.75. This includes eight wins in 12 ODIs. As captain in ODIs, he has scored 302 runs at an average of 33.55 and a strike rate of 82.28, including four half-centuries, with a best of 58*.
India’s white-ball tour against South Africa begins on 30 November, with the first match in Ranchi, followed by games on 3 and 6 December.
