India suffered a major setback ahead of the second Test against South Africa, as captain Shubman Gill has reportedly been ruled out of the Guwahati fixture starting Saturday. Gill, who injured his neck while batting in the first Test at Eden Gardens, has been released from the squad and will not feature in the must-win contest.
As per a report from timesofindia.com, the India skipper has already left Guwahati and travelled to Mumbai, where he will rest for a few days before consulting renowned sports orthopaedic specialist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala for further evaluation and guidance.
With Gill unavailable, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is expected to lead India in the second Test, marking a significant moment in his comeback journey.
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India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had earlier confirmed that Gill would undergo a final assessment by the team physio a day before the match. The injury occurred on Day 2 in Kolkata when Gill struck a slog sweep for four but immediately appeared in discomfort. He soon walked off and was later stretchered to a hospital, where he remained under observation before being discharged with a neck brace.
🚨 Update 🚨#TeamIndia captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa, has been ruled out of the second Test in Guwahati.
Rishabh Pant will lead the team in the 2nd Test in his absence.
Details 🔽 | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank…
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 21, 2025
JUST IN: Shubman Gill has been officially ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati
Gill will travel to Mumbai for further assessment of his neck injury; Rishabh Pant will lead India in his absence #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/n7COJ65Uut
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 21, 2025
Despite travelling with the side to Guwahati, Sitanshu Kotak stated that Gill’s participation was unlikely even if he felt better.
He explained, “Even if he is fully recovered, there is always a chance of the spasm recurring during the match. If there is any doubt, he will rest for one more game. A player like Shubman — and being the captain — any team would miss him.”
Gill retired hurt after facing just three balls in the first Test and did not return, as India collapsed to a 30-run defeat inside three days, handing South Africa a 1-0 lead.
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In Gill’s absence, India are expected to bring Sai Sudharsan back into the XI after leaving him out for the series opener. Dhruv Jurel, who played solely as a specialist batter in Kolkata, is likely to slot in at number four. With the series on the line, the Guwahati Test becomes crucial for India, who now face the threat of losing a second home series within just over a year.
