Team India batter Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa, according to a report by The Indian Express. The match is scheduled to start on Saturday, November 22, in Guwahati. Gill sustained a neck injury while batting on Day 2 of the opening Test in Kolkata. He retired hurt on four off three balls and didn’t return for the rest of the match.
He was taken to the hospital after Day 2 and discharged the next day. The BCCI mentioned that the 26-year-old had responded positively to treatment and would travel with the squad to Guwahati, noting that his condition would be assessed before making a final decision on his availability for the second Test.
“Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day’s play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day. Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025,” the statement read.
Shubman Gill traveled with the team to Guwahati and was spotted at the airport on November 19, but the report now confirms he has been ruled out of the Test starting Saturday. India felt his absence with the bat, posting 159 in the first innings and then being bowled out for 93 in the chase, effectively a batter short.
Rishabh Pant To Captain India In Gill’s Absence
The report further stated that Rishabh Pant will captain the side in Shubman Gill’s absence. Pant had already stepped in as skipper during the first Test after Gill left the field and was originally appointed vice-captain when the squad was announced. The opening Test also marked Pant’s comeback to international cricket after the injury he suffered in England.
He had fractured his right foot during the fourth Test in Manchester and subsequently missed the fifth Test. The report also indicated that left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan is likely to replace Gill in the XI for the Guwahati Test. With India trailing 0-1, the upcoming match is crucial for them to level the two-match series.
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