Who might replace Shubman Gill if he misses out of Guwahati Test?

Overview

• As Shubman Gill has been suffering from a neck strain, he is likely to miss the Guwahati Test against South Africa
• In a must-win game for India, Rishabh Pant, Gill's deputy in Tests, is likely to lead the side
• In the batting department, one of Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal could feature in the Playing XI instead of Gill

As Shubman Gill has been suffering from a neck strain, he is likely to miss the Guwahati Test against South Africa. In a must-win game for India, Rishabh Pant, Gill's deputy in Tests, is likely to lead the side. In the batting department, one of Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal could feature in the Playing XI instead of Gill.

While batting in the first innings of the Kolkata Test 2025 against South Africa, Gill suffered a neck strain. As a result, he walked out of the arena, having scored 4 runs in 3 balls, which did not change for the remainder of the match.

Neither did Gill walk out to bat again in the first innings, nor did he feild, nor did he bat in the second innings. The Indian skipper was admitted to the ICU but has thankfully recovered from the strain. While he is with the Indian team, the 26-year-old is probably not match fit, which could rule him out of the Guwahati Test against the Proteas.

Who might replace Shubman Gill if he misses out of Guwahati Test?

If it's indeed the case, Pant is the automatic choice to lead the side. The wicketkeeper batter has himself suffered injuries lately. However, he was fit for the Kolkata Test and is likely to lead the side in a must-win game.

In the batting front, India can try out two options. One of them is including Sai Sudharsan, but as a number 4, a position lower than his usual number 3. Likewise, India could also try Devdutt Padikkal in the XI. There could also be a case for all batters from Pant to Axar batting up by an order to accomodate an All-rounder in Nitish Kumar Reddy.