November 20, 2025 : India’s Test captain Shubman Gill is set to miss the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to a lingering neck injury, with Rishabh Pant likely to take over the captaincy duties, sources say.
Gill, who sustained the injury during the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, retired hurt after just facing three balls.He was subsequently hospitalized and monitored by team doctors. Despite being discharged, his fitness remains a concern, especially for the five-day format.
Injury Woes and Doubtful Availability
While Gill has traveled with the squad to Guwahati, the BCCI has made it clear that a final call on his participation will be made only after assessing his condition. According to reports, his neck pain has not fully subsided and doctors estimate he may need 5 to 7 days for proper recovery. His absence was further hinted at when he skipped India’s practice session ahead of the Test.
Multiple outlets now suggest that Gill has been ruled out of the second Test. Ahead of the crucial match, India will be looking to young talents to fill the void in the batting lineup.
Leadership Change: Pant to Step In
In the event of Gill’s absence, Rishabh Pant — India’s vice-captain — is set to lead the side.The decision reflects the team management’s confidence in Pant’s leadership potential, especially under pressure.
With Pant expected to take charge, India’s top order may also see a reshuffle. Reports indicate that Sai Sudharsan could come into the playing XI to replace Gill.
The Stakes Are High
This Test in Guwahati is critical for India. Having lost the first match by 30 runs, the home side faces a “must-win” scenario to keep the two-match series alive.
Gill’s potential absence is a big blow. Not only has he been captain, but he’s also a key run-scorer at No. 4. His injury raises concerns about India’s batting depth and stability under high-stakes conditions.
Medical Team on Alert
The BCCI’s medical team will continue to monitor Gill’s condition closely in Guwahati. He will likely undergo fitness tests during the team’s practice sessions before a final decision is made. If cleared, a return is still unlikely given the risk of aggravating the injury in a high-intensity Test.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Leadership and Recovery
For Pant, captaining the side in Gill’s absence presents a big opportunity. He will not only be tasked with leading but also with rallying a team that knows the series hangs in the balance.
For India’s selectors, the key challenge will be to strike the right balance between leadership, batting firepower, and injury management. If Pant leads well and the batting reshuffle works, India could salvage the series. But if things go awry, the fallout will be significant both for the team’s campaign and Gill’s long-term fitness.
Conclusion
Shubman Gill’s likely absence from the Guwahati Test is a major setback for India — especially in a must-win game. With Rishabh Pant expected to don the captain’s hat, the pressure is on him to deliver leadership and performance in a critical Test. India will be hoping that their young campaigner steps up and that the rest of the squad compensates for the void left by their injured skipper.
Summary
India captain Shubman Gill is unlikely to play the Guwahati Test against South Africa due to a neck injury. Rishabh Pant is expected to lead the team in his absence.