India head into the second Test against South Africa with a number of key changes to their likely XI, prompted mainly by the unfortunate injury to captain Shubman Gill. According to reports, Gill has been ruled out due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test, creating a big void at the top of India’s batting order.
In place of Gill, Sai Sudharsan is being tipped as the most probable replacement. Sudharsan, who has tasted Test cricket before, is expected to bat at No. 3, which will cause a reshuffle: Washington Sundar, who batted in that position earlier, may move down the order to accommodate him. Meanwhile, the leadership could shift to Rishabh Pant, if Gill’s unavailability is confirmed.
One of the more surprising calls involves the exclusion of Axar Patel. According to the report, India might drop him in favor of Nitish Kumar Reddy, a seam-bowling all‑rounder who adds a different variety to the team’s balance.
Assuming these changes go through, India’s probable XI for the second Test could look like this: KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open, with Sudharsan at No. 3; Rishabh Pant (also likely captain) Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar in the middle; Nitish Reddy at No. 6; Ravindra Jadeja as the spin‑all‑rounder; Kuldeep Yadav as the specialist spinner; and Jasprit Bumrah plus Mohammed Siraj leading the pace attack.
These are bold adjustments at a critical moment: India trail 0–1 in the two‑match series, and the Guwahati Test represents a must-win. The reshuffle suggests that the team management is not only reacting to injury but also attempting to counter South Africa’s strengths, especially their spin options. Selection is clearly prioritizing balance and adaptability more than rigid structure.
All eyes will be on the final team sheet when it’s announced before the Guwahati Test, and whether these speculative changes translate into a stronger, more resilient Indian side capable of fighting back.
IND vs SA: Shubman Gill Set To Miss Guwahati Test, Rishabh Pant Takes Over Captaincy Duties; Claims Report
India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill, has reportedly been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa, scheduled to start in Guwahati on November 22, after suffering a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata.
Gill sustained the injury early in India’s first innings at Eden Gardens, retiring hurt after just three balls. He did not bat again and was taken to a hospital for examinations. The BCCI confirmed that he was kept under observation and has since been discharged.
According to The Indian Express reports, despite Shubman's absence from the playing XI, he is traveling with the squad to Guwahati. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team, who are assessing his fitness ahead of a final decision. In his place, Rishabh Pant is expected to step in as captain, with young batter Sai Sudharsan poised to come into the side.
India enters the Guwahati Test needing a win to bounce back after a 30‑run loss in the series opener. There is widespread concern over Gill’s workload, as he has been playing across formats recently, and his injury could force India to rethink both their leadership structure and batting depth.
