Sarfaraz Khan To Sai Sudharsan: Players Who Can Replace Injured Shubman Gill For India In 2nd Test Against South Africa

India vs South Africa 2nd Test: The second Test match between India and South Africa is scheduled to be played from November 22 to 26 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. India are already 0-1 down in this two-match series, having lost the opening game by 30 runs in Kolkata on Sunday.

While India aim to bounce back with an improved effort to level the series, they could face a major blow with the availability of injured skipper Shubman Gill still remaining uncertain. Gill picked up a neck issue on the second day of the Kolkata Test and was hospitalised before missing the rest of the contest. He was discharged from the Woodlands Hospital on Sunday and is expected to travel with the team to Guwahati.

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Amid the doubt over Gill's participation in the Guwahati Test, India will be looking to prepare the other options as well. India face a threat of another whitewash series defeat at home. If Gill misses out, then who will replace him in the playing XI as a No. 4 batter will be interesting to watch out for.

Let's take a look at the probable options to replace Shubman Gill for the Guwahati Test

Sai Sudharsan: 273 runs in 5 Tests

Sudharsan was not included in the team for the first Test despite being in action in the previous series against the West Indies. He scored 87 runs in the first innings of the second Test in Delhi. Having made his debut during the England tour earlier this year, Sudharsan is yet to cement his place, and a potential appearance in Guwahati could turn out to be a huge opportunity for him.

Devdutt Padikkal: 90 runs in 2 Tests

Devdutt Padikkal has been in and out of the Test setup over the past few months. His final Test appearance came in the Perth Test last year during the Australia tour. His possible inclusion will get India yet another left-handed batter in the lineup.

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Karun Nair: 579 runs in 10 Tests

Nair was dropped from the team after a disappointing outing in the five-match Test series in England. On the back of impressive performances in domestic cricket over the past few years, Nair made his return to the Test side after a long while.

While many expected Nair's Test career to be over, the right-handed batter could turn out to be lucky enough to get one more chance to prove himself.

Sarfaraz Khan: 371 runs in 6 Tests

Amid all the speculations, Sarfaraz Khan could make a surprising return to the side and head straight to Guwahati for the second Test. He has been so unlucky lately when it comes to selections. His last appearance in the whites came during the home series against New Zealand last year.

N Jagadeesan: Yet To Debut

Jagadeesan got his maiden Test call-up for the final Test against England earlier this year. He has been impressive with the bat in domestic cricket lately. While a potential debut seems unlikely, Jagadeesan is one of the few options to replace Gill in the playing XI for the second Test against the Proteas.