Shubman Gill will miss the second Test against South Africa, according to reports. The decision came less than a day after the BCCI issued a medical update saying they would assess his availability later.

Gill injured his neck during the first Test in Kolkata. He swept the third ball he faced for four. Right after that, he held his neck and winced in pain. He retired hurt and did not return. He also skipped India’s chase of 124 because he had to undergo precautionary scans at a Kolkata hospital. Doctors discharged him the next day, but medical tests still ruled him out of the Guwahati Test.

The BCCI said in its release: “Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025.”

Pant Takes Charge

The match starts on Saturday. Rishabh Pant will lead India in Gill’s absence. Sai Sudharsan is likely to replace Gill in the playing XI, according to The Indian Express. Pant also captained the side briefly in Kolkata when Gill left the field.

Gill travelled to Guwahati with the squad on Wednesday. He did not wear any neck support at the airport. He will start neck exercises on Thursday. His recovery may take a week. He is likely to return for the ODI series starting on November 30.

India Aim to Bounce Back

India trail 0–1 in the two-Test series after losing the opener by 30 runs. They must win the Guwahati Test to level the series. At an optional practice session on Tuesday, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Devdutt Padikkal trained at Eden Gardens.

The Guwahati Test will begin at 9 a.m. every day. The tea break will come before lunch. This change marks a first in Test cricket.

Pant’s Leadership Becomes Key

India will depend on Pant to steady the team without their captain. His decisions and composure will play a major role as India fight to stay alive in the series.