Shubman Gill’s arrival in Guwahati for the second Test against South Africa has sparked fresh optimism after a viral video showed the Indian captain walking without a neck brace. The 25-year-old had suffered a painful neck sprain during the first Test in Kolkata, forcing him to retire hurt and later be admitted to a hospital for scans and observation. India eventually went on to lose the match by 30 runs, their first home defeat to South Africa in 15 years.
Until now, Shubman Gill had only been seen at the time of his discharge, wearing a neck brace and moving cautiously, raising concerns about the severity of the injury and his availability for the decisive Test. His appearance in Guwahati—visibly more comfortable, though still avoiding sudden movements—has given fans and the team management some hope.
The BCCI, however, remains cautious. In its latest medical update, the board reiterated that although Shubman Gill is responding well to treatment, he is still under close monitoring and a final decision on his participation will only be taken after assessing him over the next two days.
ALSO READ: Glenn McGrath Removed From Ashes Commentary Panel Ahead of 2025–26 Series
“Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team, and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly,” the statement read.
Shubman Gill with team India has reached Guhwati and he is not wearing neck brace, looks like he has some relief in his pain !! Hoping that our Captian get’s well soon 🙏🧿 pic.twitter.com/23A6EOHVOV
— Ironix (@ironix269) November 19, 2025
According to PTI, the pain has reduced significantly, but Shubman Gill is still short of full fitness. He is expected to push himself in training on Thursday and Friday to prove his match readiness. His availability remains vital, especially as India’s top order is packed with left-handers who struggled against South Africa’s off-spinners on a turning surface in Kolkata.
As a precaution, the selectors have called up talented all-rounder Nitish Reddy as backup. The team management must now decide whether Reddy steps straight into the XI or whether they bank on one of the benched left-handers—Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal.
ALSO READ: Daryl Mitchell Overtakes Rohit Sharma To Become ICC No.1 ODI Batter
To add to India’s selection headache, the BCCI is also contemplating whether Shubman Gill, who is also the ODI captain, should be rested from the white-ball series starting November 30. With vice-captain Shreyas Iyer injured, ruling Gill out could force the selectors into naming an emergency stand-in skipper.
