Shubman Gill will travel with the Indian team to Guwahati ahead of the second Test, although his availability for the match will ultimately depend on his fitness. The Test begins on November 22, with India trailing 0-1 in the three-match series.
Gill has been recovering from neck spasms, which forced him to spend Sunday night at Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata. Since his discharge, he has been with the squad at ITC Sonar. Despite earlier uncertainty, sources have confirmed that the Indian captain is scheduled to fly with the team on Wednesday (November 19).
“That was the original plan, and there is no change as of now. Gill will travel,” a source told Cricbuzz, adding that only a last-minute development could prevent his trip to Guwahati. A suggestion to send him to Mumbai for specialist consultation was eventually dropped.
The BCCI medical team, along with local doctors, continues to monitor his condition closely. While team management and selectors are hopeful of his participation, they remain cautious and do not want to rush him into playing. A final assessment will be made a day before the Test.
Later, the BCCI issued a statement reaffirming Gill’s travel plan:
“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.”
India struggled in the first Test, losing by 30 runs at Eden Gardens after failing to chase 124 in the final innings. Gill was unavailable to bat due to his hospitalisation, forcing India to play without their captain in a critical chase.
Nitish Reddy Rejoins the Squad
In a related development, the selectors have recalled Nitish Kumar Reddy, who joined the team hotel in Kolkata late Monday night. He is set to travel with the squad to Guwahati on Wednesday morning.
Nitish, originally part of the Test squad, had been released to play for India A in their one-day series against South Africa A in Rajkot. He featured in the first two matches on November 13 and 16 but was asked to return before the third game on November 19.
While it remains unclear whether his recall signals a place in the playing XI, the move has sparked discussion. India fielded six left-handers in the first Test, drawing criticism for an imbalanced batting order. Nitish, being a right-hander and a capable all-rounder, could provide the flexibility the team lacked in Kolkata.
Ngidi Added to South Africa Squad
Meanwhile, South Africa has drafted Lungi Ngidi into their squad as cover for Kagiso Rabada, who missed the first Test due to a rib injury sustained during training.
Ngidi last played a Test during South Africa’s WTC final win over Australia at Lord’s and recently featured in their ODI and T20I series in Pakistan. His inclusion strengthens South Africa’s pace options ahead of a crucial second Test.