Who will take Shubman Gill's place at No 4 in batting order? India coach confirms reshuffle

With captain Shubman Gill ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to a neck injury, India has made some changes in their batting order. India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has confirmed a reshuffle in the batting order in the absence of Gill.

Washington Sundar, who batted at No. 3 in the first Test in Kolkata, is expected to move back to his original position at No. 8. Sai Sudharsan, who returned to the playing XI after being dropped in the opening game, will bat at No. 3 to bring that stability at the top with Gill not around.

Dhruv Jurel, who was promoted to No. 4 after Gill’s injury in Kolkata, will most likely continue in that spot to maintain the left-right combination in the middle order. Ryan ten Doeschate said after the end of play on Day 1 that they have already informed the players of their new roles for the Guwahati Test.

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“We’re pretty certain on who’s going to bat where, and the players have been informed. We keep talking about versatile players and players that can bat in different positions, and we’re asking guys to do on the day whatever’s best for the team. So there’s going to be a reshuffling of the order,” ten Doeschate said.

What happened on Day 1 of 2nd Test?

India ended Day 1 of the second Test against South Africa on top, reducing the visitors to 247/6 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The Guwahati track appeared to be good for batting but also offered some help to bowlers, of which Kuldeep Yadav took full advantage by picking three wickets.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja also struck at key moments to take one wicket each and keep the South African batters under check.

Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs scored the most runs for the visitors before their partnership was broken. Earlier, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton played out a testing opening session and forged a crucial stand of 82 runs.

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While South Africa dominated the first few hours, Indian bowlers did well to prevent the visitors from running away with the game by taking wickets in regular intervals.