Shubman Gill Left Out of 2nd Test; India Monitors His Recovery Before South Africa ODI Series

As the Second Test between India and South Africa gets underway at Barsapara Stadium on Saturday, November 22, 2025, with Rishabh Pant stepping in as Captain, Shubman Gill's neck injury continues to cast a shadow over India's white-ball preparations. The 25-year-old opener, who retired hurt on Day 2 of the Kolkata opener due to a spasm, has been responding positively to treatment but skipped team practice on Wednesday and is undergoing a final fitness assessment today. While the BCCI confirmed Gill travelled with the squad to Guwahati, sources indicate he remains a major doubt for the match, with Sai Sudharsan poised to fill the No. 3 slot if needed.

The injury—described as an acute neck spasm similar to one that sidelined him against New Zealand in October 2024—has amplified concerns about Gill's gruelling workload since assuming ODI captaincy in mid-2025. In the past year, he has featured in the IPL (leading Gujarat Titans), the Champions Trophy, the Asia Cup, five Tests against England, two against the West Indies, and a full tour of Australia across formats, totalling over 50 international appearances. Head coach Gautam Gambhir's recent advice to prioritise international duties over IPL rest has sparked debate, with experts like Aakash Chopra endorsing the "maximise form" approach but warning of burnout risks for all-format stars.

Looking ahead to the three-match ODI series starting November 30 in Ranchi, Gill's participation hangs in the balance. Reports suggest the injury could extend his absence, potentially forcing selectors to name a deputy captain—candidates include KL Rahul or Axar Patel—when squads are announced next week. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the ODIs adds depth but complicates leadership dynamics, especially with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also nursing fitness issues. Pant, who led India to a thrilling chase in the Kolkata Test's second innings, could emerge as a white-ball option if Gill is ruled out.

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India's medical team remains optimistic, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak calling it a "freak spasm" rather than a structural concern, and Gill himself expressing determination to feature in Ranchi. However, a cautious approach is likely, given the series' importance as a bridge to the 2027 World Cup cycle. Fans and analysts alike await an official update post the Guwahati Test, but for now, it remains to be seen whether Gill will recover in time for the ODIs, beginning November 30 in Ranchi.

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