IND vs SA: Shubman Gill ruled out of 2nd Test, heads to Mumbai for specialist consultation - Report
Team India skipper Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
New Delhi: Team India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. According to an India Today report, the BCCI released Shubman from the squad on Friday, who has been struggling with a neck spasm.
The Indian captain has left for Mumbai in the morning from Guwahati to consult a specialist for further assessment and injury management. He did not train with the squad on Thursday and was expected to undergo a final fitness test on Friday in a late attempt to make himself available for the crucial Test. However, the BCCI medical team has advised against taking any risks, prompting his withdrawal from the Test match.
Gill retired hurt after facing only three deliveries in India's first innings and was admitted to the hospital after the second day of the Kolkata Test. On the third day, the BCCI confirmed that he would take no further part in the contest.
Sai Sudharsan is most likely to replace Gill at the top, while Nitish Reddy is also likely to come back into the playing XI in place of Axar Patel. Rishabh Pant will lead the team in Gill's absence.
'If there is a doubt, then I am sure he will take rest for one more game': India's batting coach
Team India's Batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, said on Thursday that Gill is definitely recovering really well, and the decision to play him or not will be taken tomorrow. He further added that the physios and doctors will have to take a call on that.
"If we have a guarantee that, very likely, he won't have this issue again, then he will play. If there is a doubt, then I am sure he will take a rest for one more game, because it won't be helpful to the team," he added.
Kotak further added that if Gill misses out because of injury, the team has plenty of batters and good players.
"We all wish he plays, but if he doesn't, we will definitely have a good replacement - and maybe the guy coming in will score a hundred.
Shubman Gill's absence adds another massive challenge for the Men in Blue, who are trailing 1-0 in the series after a 30-run defeat in the opening Test in Kolkata.