Will Shubman Gill play Guwahati Test? BCCI issues statement
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an official update on Indian captain Shubman Gill's neck injury. The 26-year-old was injured during the Test series opener against South Africa at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. He was taken to Woodlands Hospital for treatment and observation after retiring hurt due to neck spasms. According to the BCCI, he has been "responding well to medical treatment" and will travel with the team on November 19.
Uncertainty looms
Gill's participation in 2nd Test remains uncertain
Despite Gill's positive response to treatment, his availability in the series decider, starting November 22, remains uncertain. The BCCI medical team will continue to monitor his condition and make a decision accordingly. "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," added the BCCI's statement.
Injury
How Gill suffered the injury
Gill was injured while batting on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test. He retired hurt after injuring his neck while slog sweeping Simon Harmer for a boundary. The star batter was immediately attended by the team physio and taken to a Kolkata hospital for medical scans. He was discharged a day later, shortly after India's defeat in the series opener.
Replacement
Nitish Reddy included in Indian squad
In light of Gill's uncertain status, national selectors have summoned right-handed all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to Kolkata. He was in Rajkot with the India A white-ball squad for a three-match series against South Africa A. Reddy was originally part of the Test squad but was released before this match and asked to play white-ball games in Rajkot instead.
Match
Gill's absence hurts India
Gill's absence was felt in the final innings as India, chasing just 124 runs, faltered. They succumbed to the deteriorating Kolkata pitch and fell to spinners. In what appeared to be a modest run-chase, the hosts folded for 93. Only Washington Sundar (31) and Axar Patel (26) scored 20-plus runs. With a 30-run win, South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0.