Despite doubt over participation, injured Shubman Gill to travel to Guwahati for 2nd Test

New Delhi: India captain Shubman Gill will travel to Guwahati for the second Test against South Africa despite uncertainty surrounding his participation due to a neck injury, the BCCI announced on Wednesday.

Gill, 26, sustained the injury on the second day of the first Test in Kolkata, which India lost by 30 runs at the Eden Gardens. He didn't come out to bat after retiring hurt in the first innings and was later hospitalised due to neck spasms.

The second Test starts on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

"Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.

"He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly," he added, continuing the suspense over Gill's availability.

Despite travelling with the squad, Gill's participation is doubtful, with doctors reportedly advising him to rest for three to four days. 

In case Gill is unable to return to full fitness, all-rounder Nitish Reddy is likely to replace the India skipper. Reddy, who was released from the senior squad ahead of the opening Test for the India A vs South Africa A series, has been called back from the ongoing series in Rajkot.

Reddy reached Kolkata on Monday evening but didn't feature in Tuesday's net session.

The Andhra all-rounder has proven his credentials in red-ball cricket with several crucial knocks and also has a Test century to his name. Reddy, a fast-bowling all-rounder, is also more than handy with the ball.

If Gill misses out, the right-hander is the top contender for a place in the playing eleven at Guwahati. In Gill's absence, Rishabh Pant, who himself came into the series after recovering from a foot injury, will lead the team