Captain Shubman Gill Ruled Out of Crucial Second Test
In a significant blow to the Indian cricket team, captain Shubman Gill has been officially ruled out of the second Test match against South Africa scheduled to begin in Guwahati on Saturday. The 26-year-old batsman sustained a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata, creating a leadership vacuum that will be filled by wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
Injury Details and Medical Status
The injury occurred while Gill was batting during the first innings of the opening Test at Eden Gardens. The severity of the issue became evident when the young captain neither fielded during South Africa's second innings nor batted in India's chase of 124 runs for victory. Medical attention was immediately provided, with Gill being taken to a Kolkata hospital after the second day's play on November 17, 2025.
According to an official BCCI press release issued on Wednesday, Gill was kept under observation overnight and discharged the following day. The board confirmed that the player is responding well to medical treatment and will travel with the squad to Guwahati on November 19, where he will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team.
Leadership Change and Team Adjustments
With Gill unavailable, the captaincy responsibilities have been handed to Rishabh Pant, who will lead the side in this must-win encounter. The hosts trail the two-match series after South Africa's 30-run victory in the Kolkata Test.
The playing XI is expected to see left-handed batsman Sai Sudharsan coming in as Gill's replacement. Team preparations continue with optional practice sessions at Eden Gardens having seen participation from Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Devdutt Padikkal on Tuesday.
The Guwahati Test will feature an unusual schedule with all five days beginning at 9 a.m. and the tea break occurring before lunch for the first time in Test cricket history. This scheduling innovation adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a high-stakes match for the Indian team seeking to level the series.
