Pant leads India as neck injury sidelines skipper Gill.
In a significant setback for the hosts, Team India captain Shubman Gill has been officially sidelined for the upcoming second Test match against South Africa. The crucial encounter is scheduled to begin this Saturday in Guwahati. With Gill unavailable for selection, the leadership responsibilities have been handed over to wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
The absence of the 26-year-old skipper opens the door for a lineup change, with left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan widely tipped to step into the playing XI to fill the void.
Injury Concerns from Kolkata
The trouble began for Gill during the series opener in Kolkata. While batting in the first innings, he suffered a neck injury that severely restricted his movement. The issue was serious enough to keep him off the field during South Africa's second innings, and he was unable to bat during India's failed chase of 124 runs.
Following the conclusion of play on the second day in Kolkata, Gill was admitted to a local hospital for immediate examination and was discharged the next day. According to a statement released by the BCCI on Wednesday, while Gill is responding well to treatment, he is not match-fit. However, he will still travel with the squad to Guwahati on November 19, 2025, to continue his rehabilitation under the watchful eye of the BCCI medical team.
A Must-Win Scenario for Pant
Rishabh Pant takes over the reins at a critical juncture. After falling short by 30 runs in the first Test, India finds itself in a do-or-die situation to save the series. The pressure will be high on the new captain to rally the troops.
Preparations are already underway, with players like Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, and Devdutt Padikkal attending an optional practice session at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.
Unique Match Timing
Fans tuning in for the Guwahati Test will witness a historical oddity regarding the playing hours. The match is slated to start at 9:00 AM daily. However, in a first for Test cricket history, the Tea break is scheduled to take place before the Lunch break, flipping the traditional session structure on its head.
