 "Gautam Gambhir has shared a key update on Shubman Gill's availability. Image: X/AFP")
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has given an important update on captain Shubman Gill’s injury as the team prepares for the second Test against South Africa. India slipped to another home Test defeat on Sunday, with South Africa winning the opening match in Kolkata by 30 runs to register their first red-ball victory on Indian soil in 15 years.
The visitors now hold a crucial 1-0 lead in the two-match series and cannot lose the contest from here. Gill, who hurt his neck while batting in the first innings at Eden Gardens, was ruled out for the rest of the match, leaving India to chase 124 with one batter short. India were eventually bowled out for 93 after a batting collapse on the turning wicket.
Gambhir on Gill’s injury
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gambhir said that the medical team is still checking Gill’s condition and a call will be taken on Monday. Gill was hospitalised in Kolkata last evening and did not come to the stadium today. He underwent scans at the hospital, and the reports are still awaited.
“He is still being assessed. The physios will take a call today evening and we’ll take a call tomorrow,” Gambhir said. This means India will wait one more day before making a final decision on Gill’s availability for the crucial second Test in Guwahati. If Gill does not recover in time, India might have to look at other options.
Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan are part of the Indian squad and may be considered if Gill is ruled out of the second match, which is scheduled to take place from November 22 to 26. After the Test series, India are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against the same side, and Gill will be needed there as well.
Sudharsan has already been sidelined by the team management due to poor performances in the past few games. Washington Sundar was given his No. 3 spot in this game, and he did well. Padikkal will likely get a nod if Gill fails to recover in time for the second Test.