Gill's Fitness Doubt: Sudharsan in Frame for Guwahati Test
Gill's Fitness Doubt: Sudharsan in Frame for Guwahati Test
Shubman Gill's neck spasm threatens his spot in Guwahati against South Africa, with Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal in contention as India seeks to avoid a series defeat.
India's Test captain Shubman Gill endured a neck spasm during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, leaving his participation in the second Test in Guwahati in doubt. While he may travel with the squad, doctors and team management haven't confirmed his availability.
Former spinner Anil Kumble suggested Sai Sudharsan could slot back into the XI if Gill isn’t fit, with Devdutt Padikkal also in the mix as another batting option. He added that India could keep six bowlers—two pacers and four spinners—if Gill is unavailable, with only the top order possibly changing.
Padikkal's 150 in an unofficial Test against Australia A recently has kept him on the radar, though Kumble cautioned that selecting him would leave the top order left-handed, potentially inviting spin threats like Simon Harmer.
India's current approach in Kolkata leaned on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the pace duo, and that template could continue in Guwahati unless the pitch dictates otherwise. A green-top would likely push for three seamers, but that scenario remains uncertain.
Sudharsan has previously impressed in A fixtures, making a mark with scores of 87 and 39, and his return would give India a compact middle order with bowling depth. The decision will hinge on Gill’s fitness and how the team wants to balance risks against South Africa's attack.
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy was recalled to rejoin the Test squad ahead of the Guwahati Test after a stint with India A, underscoring India's developing bench strength as the series heads to the north-east.
India will be aiming to avoid a series defeat after a Kolkata setback, with Guwahati set to test selection choices and the team’s ability to adapt on the ground.
