Shubman Gill has officially been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati after failing to recover from the neck injury he sustained during the series opener in Kolkata. The BCCI confirmed that the Indian captain is not yet match-fit and will now travel to Mumbai to consult a specialist, signalling that the issue is more serious than initially hoped.
Gill first suffered the neck spasm during the first Test, where he had to retire hurt on Day 2 and was later taken to the hospital for observation. Although he was discharged and even travelled with the squad to Guwahati, doubts over his availability grew with each passing day. The medical team monitored him closely but ultimately determined that risking him in a high-intensity Test would be unwise. With long-term workload and recovery in mind, the board decided to pull him out of the contest entirely.
As a result of Gill’s absence, Rishabh Pant will take over the captaincy for the second Test. Pant had already been serving as vice-captain, and his elevation to the role comes at a critical juncture: India are trailing 1–0 in the two-match series and must win in Guwahati to avoid a home series defeat. The team management is also expected to adjust the batting order to compensate for Gill’s absence, with discussions leaning toward adding a right-handed batter to balance a line-up currently dominated by left-handers. Nitish Reddy has emerged as a strong contender for that spot.
Gill’s injury comes at a time when India can ill afford disruptions. His leadership and technical stability have been key components of the team’s recent red-ball structure. Losing him not only affects the team’s on-field balance but also removes a calming influence in a high-pressure situation. For Gill personally, this setback extends an already frustrating period in which injuries have interrupted his rhythm and raised concerns about workload management.
Despite the setback, the focus now shifts to Gill’s full recovery. The specialist consultation in Mumbai will determine the severity of the issue and outline his rehabilitation plan. India, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. With their captain unavailable and the series on the line, the responsibility falls on Pant and the rest of the squad to respond sharply. The pressure is immense, the stakes are high, and India must navigate both tactical and psychological challenges if they hope to salvage the series without their leader.
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