This Gujarat Titans Batsman Named As Shubman Gill Replacement in IND vs SA 2nd Test

The Indian team will enter the second Test match of the bilateral series against South Africa under pressure after their recent first match 30-run defeat in Kolkata. The defeat not just gave South Africa a historic win but also exposed India’s batting inconsistencies on the turning pitch of Eden Gardens.

The situation became more tense when the Indian captain Shubman Gill, suffered a neck spasm while batting on Day 2. He faced a few deliveries but then left the field with discomfort and was later admitted to Kolkata hospital for further assessment. Gill was discharged the next day, but he is unlikely to play in the IND vs SA 2nd Test.

The next match is a must-win for the Team India, and with uncertainty around Gill’s fitness, selectors and fans are now looking at an option who could fill his shoes in the top-order role. Gill has been one of the best Test batsmen in the last few months but he is unlikely to play the next game. With the updates on Shubman Gill replacement, there are high chances that another Gujarat Titans player could be seen in the IND vs SA 2nd Test Playing XI.

Who Will be Shubman Gill Replacement?

If Gill is ruled out of the 2nd Test, Sai Sudharsan appears to be the strongest option to take Gill’s position. The Gujarat Titans left-handed batter has been in management plans, but earlier was dropped out with Washington Sundar in the playing XI. The selection of Sai Sudharsan in IND vs SA 2nd Test makes sense because he has already played five Tests and was tested under challenging overseas conditions in England.

He also had an excellent IPL season where he opened the batting alongside Shubman Gill and forming match-winning partnerships. Although he was left out for the first Test, he could be the best fit in the playing XI for the 2nd Test given that he is one of the best batsmen in India at the moment.

Although Devdutt Padikkal is also in consideration, he is unlikely to get a nod here. With better team familiarity, the ability to handle pressure, and form under his bat, Sai Sudharsan fits the team’s immediate requirement. He is also a good player against spin which makes him an automatic choice to face South Africa's in-form spinners.

India Team Combination for 2nd Test

With conditions in Guhawati expected to assist spinners, but unlike Kolkata, India might stick with a similar combination with Yashasvi Jaiswal opening with KL Rahul. Sai Sudharsan could be in next with with Sundar, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel the next set of batters. The bowling unit is likely to feature Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the pacers, along with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel as the spinners.

This setup allows India to retain its key performers and strengthen the top order with balance in the bowling unit. With the series now on the line and WTC points at stake, this match holds significant importance.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.