Who Will Lead India In IND vs SA 1st Test After Shubman Gill’s Injury?

Team India suffered a massive blow amid the ongoing first Test of the two-match series against the South Africa Cricket Team. Skipper Shubman Gill walked off the field after facing a neck injury while batting in the first innings at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Gill, who has been consistently playing for India in all three formats since June, struggled with his neck right at the start of day two. During the warm-ups, he faced some discomfort and was seen complaining to the medical team.

Shubman Gill Injury Update: Major Setback for India Captain

Despite the injury, Gill came out to bat and looked in real solid touch. He blocked two balls before hitting a brutal sweep for a four. As soon as he got up after playing that shot, he looked in immense pain and held his neck as the physio rushed out.

After an examination, Shubman Gill retired out as he wasn’t able to move his neck. Soon after that, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an official statement on Gill, confirming the Test captain has experienced stiffness in his neck.

“Shubman Gill has a neck spasm and is being monitored by the BCCI medical team. A decision on his participation today will be taken as per his progress,” the BCCI stated.

There are chances that he might not play any further part in the match and might get ruled out of the second match as well. This will act as a big blow as India will not only miss a quality batter but also a captain. Over the last few months, Gill has established himself as one of the best Test batsmen in the world.

Who Will be Shubman Gill Replacement for India Captaincy?

After Shubman Gill's injury, there is a speculation about him being unavailable for the first Test. The India captain is also expected to be ruled out of the second Test and the common question remains who will captain India in his absence. The answer is Rishabh Pant as he is the vice-captain of the team.

Shubman Gill didn’t come out to bat in the first innings, which suggests that his injury is much worse than expected. He also is absent from the field and Rishabh Pant has taken over the charge of the team in the second innings. Ahead of the England Tests, Pant was appointed as a vice-captain of the team.

Pant has a decent record and experience as a captain, leading his franchise in the IPL. Also, he captained India A recently in the unofficial Test series against South Africa A. He is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world right now and a highly successful Test cricketer. If Gill misses the last match, it is expected that Devdutt Paddikal or Sai Sudharsan will come into the XI.