Will Shubman Gill play the 2nd Test against South Africa? That’s the biggest question right now. India’s captain picked up a nasty neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata.
The IND vs SA 2nd Test starts on November 22 in Guwahati. Everyone’s waiting to see if Gill recovers in time. His absence would significantly harm India’s batting plans.
What’s the Latest Update?
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak gave an update. Shubman Gill missed a training session because of his neck issues. That’s not a good sign honestly.
Kotak said Gill will take a fitness test soon. The medical team needs to check if his neck can handle five days of cricket. Recurring spasms during the IND vs SA match would be dangerous for him.
“See, he is definitely recovering really well, because I also met him yesterday. Now, the decision will be taken tomorrow evening, because the physios and doctors have to decide whether, even if he is fully recovered, there’s a chance of the spasm recurring during the match.
“That is very important. 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 said.
Sources suggest Gill might not play the 2nd Test at all. But the final call rests with India’s medical staff only. They won’t rush him back if he’s not ready.
How Badly Does India Need Him?
Kotak admitted something interesting about the first Test. He believes the result could’ve been different if Shubman Gill had batted both innings. That shows how much India missed their captain’s presence.
“In the last game, nobody discussed much about what our chances would have been had Shubman batted in both innings,” he added.
“The second innings may not have even mattered. If in the first innings he had batted and we had one partnership, with a 100-run lead, we would have been fine. That’s not an excuse, but a reality that he couldn’t bat in two innings.
Losing your captain and best young batsman hurts any team. Gill’s technique and temperament are crucial for the IND vs SA series. India needs him fit and firing.
Who Replaces Gill if He’s Out?
Dhruv Jurel batted at number four in the previous IND vs SA match. He could slot in again if needed. India has decent bench strength according to Kotak.
“Jurel batted at No. 4, so he is one option. But until we know about Shubman, there is no point discussing who will play,” Kotak said.
But the batting order depends on whether Gill is available or not. The team management will decide everything after his fitness test results come.
India hopes their captain passes the test successfully. Playing the Guwahati Test without Shubman Gill would be really tough. South Africa will target India’s weakened batting if he sits out. Fingers crossed for good news soon!
