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India won't risk another Gill injury in second South Africa Test
The top-order batsman suffered neck spasms in the first innings of the opening Test and pulled out of the remainder of the match
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AFP - Thu, 20, Nov 2025
- 12:44 EST
- 20
Shubhman Gill, captain of the Indian men's Test cricket team / Courtesy: Instagram via @shubhmangill
India will not play skipper Shubman Gill in the second Test against South Africa on Nov. 22 if it risks aggravating his neck injury, a team coach said.
Gill has travelled with the squad to Guwahati but faces a race against time, with a decision set to be made late on the eve of the match.
The top-order batsman suffered neck spasms in the first innings of the opening Test and pulled out of the remainder of the match, spending a night in hospital.
"He is definitely recovering really well," batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Nov. 20, amid reports in Indian media that Gill is set to miss the Test.
Also Read: India yet to decide on captain Gill after neck injury
"The decision will be taken tomorrow evening because the physios and doctors will have to make a call that even if he is fully recovered, he should not get the spasm again during the game."
"If he is fully recovered and it is a guarantee that he won't have this issue again, then he will play," said Kotak.
"If there is doubt, then I am sure he will take rest (for) one more game because it won't be helpful to the team."
India lost a low-scoring first Test in Kolkata inside three days after they failed to chase down 124 on a turning pitch with inconsistent bounce.
A batter short with Gill out, India were bundled out for 93 to trail the two-match series 1-0.
Kotak said the hosts have a strong bench to fill Gill's spot if the captain does not play.
"A player like Shubman is a captain any team would miss, but if he is missing out due to injury, we have batters and plenty of good players," he said.
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, is chasing a first series win on Indian soil since Hansie Cronje's team triumphed there in 2000.
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