Shubman Gill’s situation heading into the second Test in Guwahati has created a mix of concern and cautious optimism within the Indian camp. Even though the India captain has travelled with the squad, the cloud over his fitness has not cleared. His neck problem, which surfaced before the first Test, continues to trouble him enough that team management is keeping all options open.
The uncertainty stems from the fact that Gill still hasn’t regained full comfort in movement, particularly while looking up or rotating sharply—something crucial for both batting and slip-fielding. While the medical staff has been working closely with him, the timeline for complete recovery hasn’t aligned neatly with the demands of a Test match turnaround. The management isn’t willing to take any reckless risks, given how vital Gill is to the long-term plans for the season and the upcoming packed calendar.
Yet, despite all the lingering doubts, Gill’s arrival in Guwahati without the neck brace stood out as a genuinely positive development. A few days ago he was nowhere near ready to move around without external support, so the fact that he travelled with the team and walked comfortably has eased at least part of the anxiety. It signals that his rehab has progressed meaningfully, even if not fast enough to guarantee his participation.
Team insiders feel that the next 48 hours will be decisive. Gill will undergo a couple of light sessions, gradually increasing intensity only if he responds well. The support staff will monitor whether he can play without any discomfort while taking short balls, turning quickly between wickets, and maintaining required concentration ranges—areas where neck injuries usually flare up.
There’s also a strategic angle. India is reluctant to go into a key Test without their designated captain unless absolutely necessary. Gill’s presence brings stability to the top order and clarity to the dressing room. But India will not hesitate to rest him if even a minor risk remains, especially with more high-stakes matches ahead. The replacement options are ready, and the batting order can be reshuffled quickly if the final call goes against Gill.
What complicates matters is the psychological component. Gill is known to push hard through discomfort, and his competitive instinct is strong. But the team management has been strict in recent years about not letting players rush back early from injuries, and this case is no different. They want him available for the long haul, not just one Test.
For now, all eyes are on his practice workload in Guwahati. The absence of the neck brace hints at progress, but it doesn’t erase the lingering uncertainty. The team will weigh medical updates, match importance, long-term planning, and Gill’s own feedback before locking in the decision.
The situation remains fluid, but one thing is clear: India will not take the field in Guwahati without knowing they’ve made the smartest choice for both the Test and the season ahead.
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