The young skipper felt discomfort during the lead-up to the Guwahati Test and missed Thursday’s practice session entirely. Although he was initially slated for a fitness test on Friday morning, the medical team decided to err on the side of caution to protect his long-term availability.
India are already trailing 1-0 after a heartbreaking 30-run defeat in the series opener in Kolkata, making Gill’s absence even more significant as the team fights to stay alive in the two-match series.
Rishabh Pant to Lead India for the First Time in Test Cricket
With Gill unavailable, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is set to make his red-ball captaincy debut at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The second Test starts on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Possible Changes in India’s Playing XI
- Opening the innings: Sai Sudharsan is the frontrunner to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top.
- Middle order/bowling balance: All-rounder Nitish Reddy is likely to replace Axar Patel.
- Batting reinforcements: Dhruv Jurel, who has impressed in domestic cricket, is another option in the middle order if further reshuffling is required.
What the Team Management Said
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided an update on Thursday, stressing that player welfare comes first:
“He is definitely recovering really well. The physios and doctors will take the final call. If there is even a slight doubt that the spasm could return, we will rest him – it won’t help the team if he breaks down mid-match.”
Kotak remained confident about India’s bench strength:
“We have plenty of good players who are professionals and ready to step up. If Shubman misses out, someone else might walk in and score a hundred.”
Series at Stake in Guwahati
India must win the Guwahati Test to level the series and keep their hopes alive for the World Test Championship final race. South Africa, buoyed by their Kolkata victory, will look to seal the series and register a rare Test series win on Indian soil.
Cricket fans will now eagerly watch how the young Indian side responds under new captain Rishabh Pant and whether the replacements can fill the big shoes of Shubman Gill.
Stay tuned for live updates, full India vs South Africa 2nd Test playing XI, match preview, and fantasy tips as the action begins on Saturday at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati.
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