Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Reddy Likely to Replace Gill and Axar for Guwahati Test. Ahead of the second Test in Guwahati against South Africa, India find themselves poised for a shake-up, with Shubman Gill and possibly Axar Patel both likely to miss out. Gill has not recovered from a neck spasm sustained in the first Test in Kolkata, and team management is unwilling to risk further injury in a match that India must win. In the case of Axar Patel, however, he may be rested as India looks to rebalance its lineup, having lost the opener of the series.
Sai Sudharsan is likely to replace Shubman Gill at No. 3. He has been in form across formats, and he has initiated his red-ball career with some promisingly consistent numbers. Sudharsan has played 5 Tests, scoring 273 runs with an average of 30.33, and has a highest score of 87. His temperament and approach against pace, especially in testing conditions, make him an obvious next choice in the top order, particularly against South African pacers in Indian conditions.
Nitish Kumar Reddy supports balance
Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been rushed to the playing XI, is a firm favourite to replace Axar Patel. Reddy adds a right-handed bat and will provide useful all-around depth. Reddy had a brief Test career, amassing 386 runs in 9 matches at an average of just under 30, with 8 wickets, all of which makes him useful as a seam-all-rounder.
India is likely making a second change more from a tactical reset than just injury alone. They suffered from a left-hand-heavy middle order in Kolkata that South Africa exploited. With the addition of Sudharsan and Reddy, India adds both balance and flexibility.
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With the Guwahati Test expected to be a decider, India appears to lean towards youth and versatility. The playing XI will not be chosen until matchday. The early signs certainly appear to favour Sudharsan and Reddy, giving their performance the nod on the big stage.