Shubman Gill Doubtful for Guwahati Test; Update on Kagiso Rabada for Second Test vs India

India have suffered a big blow ahead of the must-win second Test in Guwahati. Captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out because of a neck injury. At the same time, South Africa are still waiting to see if fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will be fit to play.

Gill to Miss the Match; Sai Sudharsan May Open

Gill got hurt on Day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata and could not bat in the second innings. Even though he travelled with the team to Assam and looked better, India’s doctors said he should not play a full five-day match. They did not want his injury to get worse.

Reports say Gill wanted to play, but the risk was too high. India are now likely to open with Sai Sudharsan, who has played five Tests and scored 273 runs so far. He last scored 87 against West Indies and is seen as a calm player for big moments.

Gill may need around 10 more days to recover, which means he may also miss the ODI series starting on November 30 in Ranchi. India already have injury issues, as vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also recovering. If needed, KL Rahul or Axar Patel could lead the team.

India have added Nitish Kumar Reddy to the squad, and Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal are also in the mix. The Guwahati pitch, hosting its first Test, is expected to offer turn and bounce—conditions where Gill’s solid batting would have helped.

South Africa Check Rabada’s Fitness

South Africa lead the series 1–0 and hope to have Kagiso Rabada back after he missed the first Test due to a rib injury. Bowling coach Piet Botha said Rabada is being watched closely, and a final decision will be taken within 24 hours. Botha said the Guwahati pitch may be a good batting surface, but it will depend on how much grass is left on it. This will also affect whether Rabada plays.

“We are monitoring Kagiso Rabada and will decide soon. The wicket can change based on the grass,” Botha said. There were reports that Simon Harmer, who took eight wickets in Kolkata and was Player of the Match, had a shoulder problem. Botha said Harmer is fully fit. If the pitch turns early, he can again trouble India’s left-handers. “No problems with Harmer’s shoulder. If it turns like Kolkata, he will be dangerous,” Botha said.

The second Test starts on Saturday, November 22. This match will use new timings, where Tea will be taken before Lunch. Both teams enter the decider with important fitness questions, and the result will decide the series.

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