Gill ruled out of Guwahati Test, Pant to lead

India captain Shubman Gill has officially been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa, due to begin on Saturday (November 22) in Guwahati. Rishabh Pant will lead India in Gill's absence.

Gill left the field after facing just three balls on the second day of the first Test in Kolkata and played no further part in the game. He was seen clutching his neck and was later admitted to hospital after being diagnosed with a neck spasm. He was discharged from hospital on Sunday (November 16) and travelled to Guwahati with the team three days later. But he missed both of India's practice sessions in the lead up to the second Test. The decision regarding his participation in the second Test was deferred to the eve of the game and having not recovered satisfactorily, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Gill will now head to Mumbai for further assessment of his injury.

"He's doing fine, getting better. He was very keen on playing this Test. I got to know yesterday only that I will be leading in this Test. I've been having a chat with Gill everyday," said Rishabh Pant ahead of the second Test.

Gill has had a history of neck injuries and this is not his first. He had also missed the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in 2024.

India are likely to bring back one of Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal or Nitish Kumar Reddy as they chase a series-levelling win at Guwahati.