Rishabh Pant to lead India in Guwahati Test against SA
What's the story
Indian captain Shubman Gill is set to miss the 2nd Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to an insufficient recovery from a neck spasm. According to ESPNcricinfo, Gill has been advised that playing too soon could lead to further neck spasms. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant will take over the captaincy duties from Gill, who was hospitalized with this injury while batting at Eden Gardens.
Injury impact
Gill's injury and its implications
Gill had to be hospitalized after Day 2 of the Kolkata Test due to his neck injury. He had retired hurt after facing just three balls in India's first innings. The BCCI later announced that he wouldn't continue with the match. It was reported that Gill "responded well to medical treatment" and will travel with the team on November 19. On Thursday, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stated that "India would not risk playing him."
Future implications
Gill's absence could affect ODI squad selection
Gill's absence from the Guwahati Test could also impact his spot in the ODI squad for the following three-match series against South Africa, starting November 30. The team for that series is likely to be announced on November 23. Coming to the Test squad, India had recalled Nitish Kumar Reddy to the Test squad ahead of the 2nd Test. With Gill missing out, India can go in with Reddy, Sai Sudharsan, or Devdutt Padikkal.
Team composition
India's batting line-up for Guwahati Test
As they ponder over Gill's replacement, India have to deal with an abundance of left-handed batters in their squad. In the Kolkata Test, five out of eight batsmen in the top order were left-handed. The two specialist batsmen who are likely to replace Gill - Sai Sudharsan and Padikkal - also bat left-handed. This could be a major factor as India prepare for a more batter-friendly pitch in Guwahati than Kolkata.
Match summary
Gill's absence hurt India in Kolkata
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.