Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the must-win second Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to a neck injury, with 24-year-old Sai Sudharsan set to replace the captain in the playing XI. Rishabh Pant will lead India in Gill’s absence as the hosts look to avoid a series defeat.​

Gill’s Injury Timeline

The India captain sustained a neck injury on day two of the first Test in Kolkata after playing a sweep shot against Simon Harmer. He retired hurt after facing just four deliveries, clutching the back of his neck in what appeared to be a whiplash injury.​

Gill was taken to a Kolkata hospital after the close of play and kept under observation before being discharged the next day wearing a cervical collar. He neither fielded during South Africa’s second innings nor batted when India chased 124 in their second innings—a chase they lost by 30 runs.​

Travelled to Guwahati Despite Injury

Despite the BCCI stating Gill was “responding well” to treatment, sources confirmed to NDTV that he will not play the second Test starting Saturday. Gill had travelled to Guwahati with the team and was even seen without a neck brace, raising hopes of his participation, but the medical team decided against risking further aggravation.​

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had said Thursday that Gill would undergo a fitness test on Friday, with physios and doctors making the final call. “If there is a doubt, then I am sure he will rest for one more game because it won’t help the team otherwise. A player like Shubman, and he’s the captain so any team would miss him,” Kotak stated.​

Sai Sudharsan Gets Opportunity

In Gill’s place, left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan will make his Test debut at home. The 24-year-old has played five Tests so far, scoring 273 runs at an average of 30.33. He made his debut in England in June and last played against West Indies in October, where he scored 39 and 87.​

Sudharsan was part of the squad for the South Africa series but did not feature in the first Test at Eden Gardens.

Pant Takes Over Captaincy

Rishabh Pant will lead India for the first time in a Test match on home soil. The wicketkeeper-batter has captained Delhi Capitals in the IPL and will now shoulder the responsibility of leveling the series after India’s humiliating 30-run defeat in Kolkata.​

Recovery Timeline and ODI Series Doubts

According to PTI, Gill probably needs at least 10 days to fully recover and complete rehabilitation to be match-ready. This timeline raises doubts about his availability for the ODI series against South Africa starting November 30 in Ranchi.​

However, with ODI deputy Shreyas Iyer far from fit after suffering a ruptured spleen injury in Sydney, Gill may be reluctant to miss the series, as it could open the door for a third captaincy contender like KL Rahul or Axar Patel, even in a stop-gap role.​

Must-Win Situation

India face a must-win scenario in Guwahati after their shock loss in Kolkata—their first defeat at Eden Gardens since 2012. South Africa need only a draw to secure their first Test series victory in India since 2000, adding immense pressure on the hosts.​

The absence of Gill, whose stability and presence at number three was sorely missed during India’s twin batting collapses in Kolkata, makes the task even more daunting for a team that has now lost four of their last six home Tests.