India suffered a significant setback on the eve of the second Test against South Africa, with captain Shubman Gill officially ruled out due to a persistent neck injury. The match, scheduled to begin on Saturday in Guwahati, will now see wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant step in as stand-in captain.
Gill’s injury first manifested during the first Test in Kolkata. On the second day, he faced just three deliveries before clutching his neck and leaving the field, unable to return for the remainder of the match. Medical assessments later confirmed a neck spasm, prompting the Indian team management to seek immediate treatment.
The opener was hospitalised for observation before being discharged on Sunday. Despite attempting to join the squad in Guwahati three days later, his recovery remained incomplete. Missing both pre-Test practice sessions highlighted the severity of the issue and raised concerns over his fitness.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) delayed any official announcement, hoping Gill would regain match fitness. However, after final medical checks on the eve of the Test, the board confirmed that he would not play and would return to Mumbai for further assessment and long-term rehabilitation.
Speaking to the media, Pant revealed that Gill had been eager to play: “He’s doing fine and getting better. He was very keen on playing this Test. I got to know only yesterday that I will be leading the side. I’ve been speaking to Gill every day—it’s tough for him, but he wants to recover properly.”
Gill’s neck injury is a recurring issue, with similar problems sidelining him in previous series, including the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in 2024. Medical experts have advised a cautious approach to prevent the injury from becoming chronic.
Selectors are expected to bring in one of Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, or Nitish Kumar Reddy to bolster India’s batting line-up. Filling the void left by Gill will be no easy task, but Pant’s leadership and aggressive approach could inspire a strong performance in Guwahati.
