Shubman Gill Ruled Out of Second Test Against South Africa Due to Neck Injury

GUWAHATI - India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill, will not be available to play the second Test against South Africa beginning in Guwahati on November 22. It is reported that the 26-year-old is still recovering due to the neck injury he sustained on day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata, and he will not be fit to play the next match.  

Shubman Gill had retired hurt after scoring four runs in the first Test and never returned to the field. India lost that game by 30 runs as they were bowled out for 93 while chasing 124 on a pitch with uneven bounce.  

This is not the first time Gill has had neck issues. A neck spasm also made him miss the October 2024 Test against New Zealand.  

With Gill sidelined, Rishabh Pant will captain the team in Guwahati. Physicians caution that returning to play too soon after recovery may lead to a relapse and that one should take more rest.  

Gill’s absence also raises doubts about his inclusion in the ODI squad for the series against South Africa, which starts on November 30. The group will be announced on November 23rd.  

India faces a selection dilemma, with potential replacements for Gill including Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.