India have suffered a major setback before the second Test against South Africa as Shubman Gill is out with a neck injury. You will now see a sudden shift in leadership with Rishabh Pant taking charge at a crucial stage of the series.
Gill ruled out due to neck injury
Gill injured his neck while batting in the first innings and did not return to field in the second. He also missed India’s chase of 124 in the last innings. BCCI said he was taken to a Kolkata hospital on Day 2, kept under observation and later discharged. He will travel to Guwahati and remain under medical care.
Recovery timeline and ODI concerns
PTI reported that Gill needs at least ten days to recover. This makes his involvement in the upcoming ODI series unlikely. India now face the next few matches without their regular opener and captain at a demanding time in the tour.
Sai Sudharsan set to join the XI
With Gill out, the team management has picked 24 year old left hander Sai Sudharsan to fill the vacant spot. Sudharsan made his Test debut in England this year and has scored 273 runs from five Tests at an average of 30.33. His last Test was against West Indies in October where he scored 39 and 87.
Practice session hints at possible changes
India held an optional practice session at Eden Gardens on Tuesday. Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja and Devdutt Padikkal took part. Their presence indicated possible changes to the XI for the must win second Test in Guwahati.
India look for a strong response
India trail the series 0-1 after a 30 run loss in Kolkata and need a strong comeback. Pant’s return to captaincy brings energy but Gill’s absence at the top is a big loss. The management will avoid rushing Gill back with ODIs and T20s still left on the tour.
A crucial chance for Sudharsan
This match is a big opportunity for Sudharsan to secure his Test spot. You will see him play under pressure at home as India depend on both Pant’s leadership and Sudharsan’s return to the XI.
