Eight Matches Into Test Captaincy, 'Far From Fit' Shubman Gill Desperate To Play vs South Africa: Report

Will Shubman Gill play the second Test vs South Africa? That is the big question for the Indian cricket team right now. The absence of Gill was truly felt in the first Test in Kolkata, as India fell short of the 124-run target in the fourth innings. Gill did not bat in the second innings, and India played one batter short. Had Gill played, the result of the Test could have been different. According to a PTI report, Shubman Gill has travelled to Guwahati with the rest of the India squad for the second Test against South Africa, but the neck injury that is on the mend is unlikely to fully heal before the game begins in Guwahati on Saturday.

However, it is understood that the skipper will try his best to prove his fitness during training sessions on Thursday and Friday. The squad has landed in the city. If sources in the Indian team are to be believed, the 26-year-old Gill is far from being 100 per cent fit, with the pain in the nape of his neck still lingering, although its intensity has reduced considerably.

"Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025," read a statement from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

"He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly," he added, continuing the suspense on the batting star's availability.

While he might be clinically fit, the rigours of five-day cricket could aggravate the issue and result in a longer lay-off. With the series on the line and off-spinner Simon Harmer posing a significant threat after the Kolkata Test, a competent right-hander who can take on spin is a necessity.

Gill, known to train even on optional days, might just want to be fit enough to bat. Also, as a new captain still earning his stripes in the dressing room, missing a Test at this nascent stage of his leadership is the last thing he would want.

A tricky call

There is another aspect to the story. Gill probably needs at least 10 days to fully recover and then complete his rehabilitation to be match-ready. But if he plays the Test match, the logical step for selectors would be to rest him from the ODI series starting November 30 in Ranchi.

With little at stake in the series, he could easily take a break and return for the T20s against South Africa.

But with his ODI deputy Shreyas Iyer far from fit after his on-field injury, the last thing Gill wants is a third captaincy contender in KL Rahul or Axar Patel, even if it means only in a stop-gap role.

One thing is certain: Gill can't realistically play the second Test, three ODIs, and five T20Is in the next four weeks, along with all the air miles involved.

It could easily boomerang, and looking at the bigger picture, the emerging leader would need a break for his own and the team's greater good.

With PTI inputs 

Topics mentioned in this article

Shubman Gill India Cricket Team South Africa Cricket Team India vs South Africa 2025, India Cricket