India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, with the BCCI releasing him from the squad Friday. The star batter, struggling with a neck spasm, traveled to Mumbai for specialist consultation and further injury management assessment.
Official Confirmation
“Team India captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa, has been ruled out of the second Test in Guwahati. Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day’s play,” the BCCI confirmed.
“He was kept under observation and discharged the next day. He travelled to Guwahati on 19th November, 2025. Unfortunately, he was not fully fit to feature in the 2nd Test and will head to Mumbai for further assessment of his injury. Rishabh Pant will lead the team in the 2nd Test in Gill’s absence.”
Injury Timeline
Shubman Gill was hospitalized after the second day of the Kolkata Test, having retired hurt after facing just three deliveries in India’s first innings. The BCCI confirmed on the third day’s morning he would take no further part in the contest. India subsequently lost by 30 runs, bowled out for 93 while chasing 124 on a surface offering uneven bounce. Gill previously missed a Test against New Zealand in October 2024 due to similar neck issues.
Selection Dilemma
India faces challenging selection decisions replacing Gill. The squad is saturated with left-hand batters—six featured in Kolkata’s XI, with five in the top eight. Leading replacement contenders Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal also bat left-handed. The left-heavy order benefited off-spinner Simon Harmer, who earned Player of the Match in Kolkata.
Sudharsan is the frontrunner to open in Gill’s absence, while Nitish Reddy is expected to replace Axar Patel.
Coaching Staff Assessment
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak emphasized prioritizing Gill’s long-term fitness: “Shubman Gill is definitely recovering really well. Now, the decision – whether to play him or not – will be taken tomorrow evening. The physios, doctors, they will have to take a call that, if he is fully recovered, he should not get that spasm again.”
“If we have a guarantee that, very likely, he won’t have this issue again, then he will play. If there is a doubt, then I am sure he will take rest for one more game, because it won’t be helpful to the team.”
Gill’s absence compounds challenges for India, trailing 1-0 in the series.
