No Karun Nair or Abhimanyu Easwaran! India banking on struggling Shubman Gill for Guwahati Test

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India captain Shubman Gill remains far from fitness ahead of the 2nd Test against South Africa, but the team management is adamant to not bring someone from the outside for the Guwahati encounter.

Gill suffered a neck spasm in Kolkata, which caused him to retire hurt after facing just three balls and miss batting in the final innings, where India collapsed for 93 in their chase of 124. He was immediately hospitalized at the Woodland Hospital in Kolkata for evaluation, where he was monitored and treated, eventually being discharged on Sunday with medical advice to rest and avoid commercial air travel during recovery.

Despite the medical advice to rest and the neck pain persisting, Gill went against guidance and joined the squad for the second Test at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, scheduled to start November 22.

As per PTI, team sources revealed that while the pain had eased, Gill was still not fully fit and was preparing to prove his fitness during training sessions before the match. The management faces a dilemma as the alternative specialist batsmen in the squad. With a lack of right-handed batters in the side, there were reports that team India may look for someone from the outside.

Choosing a right-handed replacement from outside the squad, such as Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair, or Abhimanyu Easwaran, is considered unlikely due to recent inconsistent performances and management's preference to back the existing squad youngsters.

Easwaran has been hot and cold in the domestic tournament and had a twin duck against South Africa A recently. Sarfaraz has been inconsistent as well for Mumbai. Karun Nair has been in excellent form for Karnataka, but the veteran is likely not to be called upon.

Gill's injury is part of a recurring neck issue, having previously missed a Test in October 2024 with similar problems, often attributed to his heavy workload across formats since IPL 2025.

The second Test at Barsapara will be the venue's debut Test match, and South Africa currently leads the two-match series 1-0 after their first win on Indian soil in 15 years.