India will head into the series decider in Guwahati without Shubman Gill. What seemed like a minor neck issue during the Kolkata Test could keep the Indian Test and ODI captain out of action for almost three weeks. Multiple reports now point in the same direction, with Gill also likely to sit out for the ODI leg that starts on November 30.
Shubman Gill ruled out, Rishabh Pant to lead India
As per Revsportz, Gill has been ruled out of the second Test between India and South Africa that is set to be the first-ever red-ball international game in Guwahati. After batting for just 3 balls, Gill retired hurt in the first innings of the Kolkata Test. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel later revealed that Gill woke up with a stiff neck, something that probably happened while he was asleep.
While reports came that Gill is eager to play the second Test, his participation is highly unlikely. Having said that, he is currently part of the team and landed in Guwahati too on Wednesday. Having become India’s new Test captain only earlier this year, Gill faces a possibility of enduring his first Test series loss as captain. South Africa have taken an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-game series.
Without Gill, India will be led by Rishabh Pant in the Guwahati Test. Pant is the current vice-captain of the team and will take charge with Gill being unavailable. Specialists have told the team that Gill needs close to a week before he can return to full intensity.
Gill out of IND vs SA ODIs?
There’s also fresh doubt over Gill’s participation in the ODI series that begins on November 30. India Today has reported that the team management is not keen on taking any chances, especially since the neck injury hasn’t fully settled yet. The thinking is valid as the ODIs aren’t the need of the hour. He has been playing nonstop since March and pushing him could escalate things. Yes, Gill was recently made India’s ODI skipper too but India might to want to lose him for an inconsequential bilateral series.
If Gill is rested, Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the next opener in line. Shreyas Iyer is also set to miss the series after his spleen injury, which means India’s ODI squad will need a few changes. Tilak Varma is the frontrunner to replace Iyer, and selectors will wait a little longer before taking a final call on Gill.
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