India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has dragged the conversation away from the ‘Gill is definitely out‘ zone and back into something more uncertain. Speaking a day before the second Test in Guwahati, Kotak said the Indian captain is recovering well from his neck injury and hasn’t been ruled out yet.
Shubman Gill remains a late call for IND vs SA 2nd Test
That alone changes the mood slightly, because the last week has mostly been spent assuming that Gill would miss not just this Test, but possibly the ODI series too. The neck injury he picked up in Kolkata looked serious from the start, and every update since then pointed in the same direction. Gill retired hurt after facing just three balls, left the field clutching the back of his neck, and was hospitalised later that night after the stiffness worsened. For most of the last 48 hours, the assumption was simple that Gill shouldn’t be risked, as he is one of the most prized assets of Team India, leading in two formats.
The medical team had advised caution, and early reports suggested India were preparing to play without him. Even internally, the sense was that Gill needed more than a couple of days to settle fully. Given the nature of the spasm and the workload he has carried this year, pushing him straight into a Test match felt avoidable.
That said, India haven’t shut the door. Gill has recovered better than expected, is moving more freely, and the team is waiting for one more medical assessment before taking the final call. Ideally, he should not be rushed, but India, already 0-1 down at home, haven’t dismissed the possibility of him returning if the doctors are confident the issue won’t flare up again.
Kotak provides crucial update
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak summed up India’s position with a mix of hope. But they won’t risk it. “Gill is recovering really well. Now, the decision will be taken tomorrow evening. Even if he’s fully recovered, we have to ensure he doesn’t spasm in the game again. The doctor and physio’s concern is this. If they’re sure it won’t happen, then he’ll play. Else he will rest for another game,” Kotak said while speaking to reporters ahead of 2nd Test in Guwahati.
The worry isn’t the pain right now but the risk of a repeat. In Kolkata, Gill felt extreme discomfort as he couldn’t return at all, and India paid for that in the fourth innings.
If Gill misses out again, Dhruv Jurel may be bumped up to No. 4
Kotak also addressed the batting plan if Gill is unavailable. India aren’t looking to overcomplicate things, and Dhruv Jurel is the most likely option for No. 4.
“We all wish he (Gill) plays but if he can’t, someone coming in place of him might score a century,” Kotak said, keeping things light despite the situation. “If Shubman can’t play, Dhruv Jurel is an option at No. 4. But we have to look at conditions. We have to see if Shubman plays or not,” he added.
