Indian Test captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. According to The Indian Express, left-hander Sai Sudharsan will replace him in the playing XI, while vice-captain Rishabh Pant will lead the side.
Gill’s injury, initially believed to be caused by a “bad night’s sleep,” turned out to be more serious. He was admitted to a hospital, spent the night under observation, and was later discharged with a neck brace. Though Gill travelled with the team to Guwahati and appeared without the brace in recent visuals, he still seemed uncomfortable.
The BCCI had earlier stated that Gill would continue to be monitored and a decision on his participation would follow. However, the latest assessment has ruled him out.
This marks Pant’s first match as India’s Test captain, a role many expected him to take before his accident. Sudharsan, Gill’s Gujarat Titans teammate, is set to step in as the top-order replacement.
