IND vs SA 2nd Test: Shubman Gill Expected to Miss; Rishabh Pant Set to Lead India. India is facing a major setback ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Shubman Gill is likely to miss the match due to a persistent neck injury. While Gill has travelled with the team, he has been ruled out of playing contention since the medical team advised caution because of his continuous discomfort and range of motion issues.
Gill suffered the injury during the first Test at Eden Gardens. He faced only three balls before retiring hurt and visibly displaying a neck spasm. Initial scans confirmed the strain. Despite having travelled with the squad for additional monitoring, the BCCI advised that Gill would not be fit in time for the second Test.
Pant to Lead as India Searches to Level Series
With Gill out of the Test, Rishabh Pant will assume captaincy duties for the all-important Test starting on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Pant, who returned to Test cricket earlier this year, will now share the added leadership role. India is behind 0–1 in the two-Test series after a close 30-run defeat in Kolkata.
Pant’s leadership and batting will be under scrutiny as India attempts to ignite a response to remain alive in the series and protect its standing in the World Test Championship.
Team Changes Impending
With Gill unavailable, there is a gap at the top of the order, and Sudharsan is the top candidate to come in at his spot in the XI. India may also consider minor adjustments to the middle order after disappointing returns in the first Test.
South Africa, buoyed by a gutsy victory in Kolkata, will look to take advantage of India’s injury issues to clinch the series.
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The second Test now takes on greater significance—not only for India’s short-term hopes in the series, but also as an early assessment of Pant’s leadership in the longest format.