HT Digital,
Mumbai, Nov 20:India’s buildup to the second Test against South Africa took an uncertain turn on Dec 21, with captain Shubman Gill still struggling to shake off the neck spasm he suffered during the opening match. The series decider at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium begins Saturday, and India are under pressure to avoid handing South Africa only their second Test series win on Indian soil.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that the team already has a No. 4 batter ready if Gill is ruled out. The hint came from Kolkata last Sunday, when Gill missed the final innings and Dhruv Jurel stepped into the No. 4 role. Kotak said Jurel remains a realistic option, though the final call hinges on Gill’s Friday fitness test.
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Gill’s pain has reportedly reduced, but he is still some days away from complete recovery. While the captain is keen to play, the BCCI’s sports science team is cautious, aware that even a minor flare-up could derail India’s combination in a must-win match. Team management believes a half-fit Gill brings more value than most alternatives, yet the medical staff remains unconvinced.
Kotak, speaking after Gill skipped India’s first training session in Guwahati, said the medical team would have the final say. He stressed that even if Gill passes the basic test, any risk of recurrence during the match would be “very important” in making the decision.
If doctors express doubt, Gill may sit out another game—an absence Kotak admitted would be significant. “A player like Shubman, and he’s the captain, so any team would miss him,” he said.
With the Test just hours away, India now wait on one decisive medical call to finalise their XI and keep their series hopes alive.
