With India’s Test captain Shubman Gill likely to miss the second and final Test against South Africa in the ongoing Freedom Trophy, the team management has called all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to join the squad earlier than planned. Nitish was part of the India A squad competing in the unofficial ODI series against South Africa A in Rajkot and was released from the first Test in Kolkata due to the spin-friendly conditions.

The 22-year-old Andhra all-rounder, who is already included in India’s Test setup, was initially asked to gain match practice in the three-match one-day series. He impressed in the opening ODI with a gritty 37 and figures of 1/18, though he didn’t get a chance to bat or bowl in the second game, with India A clinching the series 2-0.

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Since making his Test debut during the Australia series last year, Nitish has played nine Tests, scoring 386 runs at an average of 29.69, including a maiden hundred. He also brings valuable depth with his medium-pace bowling, having picked up eight wickets so far in Test cricket.

🚨 NITISH KUMAR REDDY IS BACK 🚨

NKR has rejoined Indian team early and will practice with the team at Eden Gardens Tommorow. [Sahil Malhotra from TOI] pic.twitter.com/sOakeJEH4H

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 17, 2025

With Gill’s injury casting uncertainty over the captain’s availability, Nitish could be in line for a key role if conditions in Guwahati offer more assistance to seamers. The Indian Test squad is set to leave for Guwahati on Wednesday.

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However, reports by PTI suggest Gill has been advised against flying due to acute neck pain caused by a whiplash injury sustained during the first Test. “He has to keep wearing the neck collar and is advised to rest for three to four days. Travelling by flight is not recommended in his current condition,” a source revealed. His recovery will be monitored closely, with clarity expected by Tuesday.

India, now trailing 0-1 in the series after a shock 30-run loss inside three days, faces a must-win scenario in Guwahati. The combination of injuries and tactical missteps makes this next Test a critical one for the hosts.