India vs South Africa: Shubman Gill Unlikely To Take Part In 2nd Test, Leaves For Mumbai | Report

India vs South Africa: India Test captain Shubman Gill, in all likelihood, is ruled out of the second Test as he has been released from the squad, as per a report. The report in The Times of India has stated that Gill has left for Mumbai from Guwahati. Notably, Gill sustained a neck injury while batting in the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, due to which he got hospitalised.

While addressing a press conference on Thursday, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that Gill's availability will be subject to fitness as the skipper will be assessed by the BCCI's medical staff.

It is worth noting that India will play South Africa in the second Test starting on Saturday.

Also Read: ENG vs AUS 1st Test Day 1 Live Scorecard

Interestingly, Gill travelled with the squad as he was spotted at the Guwahati airport. Kotak also stated that even if Gill does recover fully on Friday, there is no certainty over his selection.

“…even if he (Gill) is fully recovered, there’s a chance of the spasm recurring during the match. That is very important. If there is a doubt, then I am sure he will rest for one more game because it won’t help the team otherwise. A player like Shubman, and he’s the captain so any team would miss him," Kotak told reporters on Thursday.

If Gill is ruled out of the Guwahati Test, India may turn to left-handers B Sai Sudharsan or DevduttPadikkal. Sudharsan impressed with scores of 87 and 39 against West Indies in Delhi, but managed a highest of 32 in four innings for India A against South Africa A earlier this month.

Also Read: Mitchell Starc gets Joe Root for 'duck' | video

India will face South Africa in the second and final Test in Guwahati on Saturday, seeking to bounce back from a 30-run defeat in the series opener and level the series 1-1. 

Inputs from Agency