India vs South Africa Test Series: A major update has emerged from the two-match Test series between India and South Africa. Captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test as well. He suffered a neck injury while batting during the first Test. He subsequently struggled to bat properly in the first innings, retiring hurt, and then did not return to bat in the second innings. He was immediately taken for a check-up. He is now also out of the second Test.
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia stated, "Team India captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa, has been ruled out of the second Test in Guwahati. Gill suffered a neck injury on the second day of the Kolkata Test and was taken to the hospital for evaluation after the day's play. He was kept under observation and discharged the following day. He arrived in Guwahati on November 19, 2025. However, he has not fully recovered and will therefore be unable to participate in the second Test. He will now depart for Mumbai for further evaluation and treatment. Rishabh Pant will captain the team in his absence."
This is a major blow for India, as they lost the Kolkata Test against South Africa. They failed to chase down the target of 124, falling 30 runs short. Gill's absence was deeply felt then. Now, his absence in the second Test could be detrimental. India is already trailing 0-1 and faces the threat of a clean sweep.
India has already added all-rounder Nitish Reddy to the squad in response to Gill's injury. Reddy was released before the first Test to play for India A, where he played two unofficial ODIs against South Africa. In Gill's absence, Sai Sudharshan or Devdutt Padikkal could be considered for the squad.
Rishabh Pant Will Lead the Team in the 2nd Test
Rishabh Pant will be captaining for the first time in a Test match. This is a big opportunity for him to prove himself. Pant wasn't particularly impressive in the previous Test, scoring 27 runs in the first innings and two runs in the second. Now, he'll be looking to lead Team India to victory and make a comeback in the series.
Pant will become the 38th different man to lead India in Test cricket. This is not the first time that the wicketkeeper-batter will be captaining India at the international level. In 2022, he captained India in five T20Is. Also Pant will enter an exclusive club and become the second designated wicketkeeper-batter to lead India in Test cricket after the legendary MS Dhoni.
Pant faces a big task of ensuring India don’t suffer a second series defeat at home in just over a year. Also its a must-win for India as Guwahati is set to become the 30th different venue to host Test cricket in India.
On the other hand the injury has also raised doubts about Gill’s participation in the upcoming ODI series against the Proteas. Gill is the captain of the 50-over side. There are reports that doctors have advised him to take rest for at least 10 days. The first ODI is scheduled to take place on November 30, which means that Gill might have to miss out on the white-ball series as well.
