Gill Released From India Squad Ahead of Guwahati Test
Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill has been released from the national squad ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati after failing to recover from a neck injury. He will now return to Mumbai for further assessment and rest, according to the cricket board’s official statement.
Replacement And Leadership Adjustment
With Gill unavailable, wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant will step in as the stand-in captain for the match starting on 22 November at Barsapara Stadium. The board also indicated that the playing XI may include an additional batting all-rounder to bolster the lineup in Gill’s absence.
Injury Timeline And Squad Movements
Gill suffered a spasm during the first Test in Kolkata and left the field following treatment. Despite travelling with the squad to Guwahati on 19 November, he missed training the next day and was cleared to leave the squad by team management. Officials said there are no immediate plans for him to move to the national training centre; instead, he is scheduled for specialist review in Mumbai.
Implications For India-South Africa Series
India now face the challenge of fighting without their first-choice captain and top-order batter at a crucial juncture of the two-match Test series. With limited time before the start of play, the team must quickly finalise tactical plans and player roles to adjust to the sudden change.
