The second Test of the India–South Africa series begins on November 22 in Guwahati, Assam.
Shreyas Iyer has already been ruled out for a long spell after picking up an injury during the ODI series against Australia. Now, the Indian team management is worried about Shubman Gill. In the first Test, the Indian captain faced just three balls before leaving the field with a neck spasm. Four days on, the Test is over and he has been discharged from hospital, but his return to cricket remains unclear.
Also Read | Shubman Gill spotted leaving the hospital wearing cervical collar, participation in 2nd Test still undecided
Doctors fear the issue may be more serious than just a muscle spasm. With doubts growing over Shubman’s availability for the Guwahati Test, reports suggest Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to return to the Indian squad.
Nitish was released from the squad before the first Test. With Dhruv Jurel confirmed to play and Eden Gardens not requiring his seam-bowling option, the management had let him go. But uncertainty over Shubman has prompted India to recall him, according to multiple reports.
During the Eden Test, Nitish played a warm-up match for India A, scoring 37 with the bat and taking one wicket. He is expected to join India’s optional training session at Eden on November 18. If Shubman is ruled out, Nitish could be drafted into the XI to add depth to the middle order.
Also Read | ICU-admitted Shubman likely to miss second Test too? BCCI shares update
The No. 4 slot is also up for discussion. Washington Sundar batted at three in the first Test, while Dhruv Jurel came in at six. Some believe Jurel may be pushed up to No. 4 if Shubman misses out. Others feel Sai Sudharsan could be brought back into the squad.
With India desperate for a win to stay alive in the WTC finals race, the final Test carries huge weight.
