India have recalled all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to the squad ahead of the second Test against South Africa as a precautionary replacement for captain Shubman Gill, who sustained a neck injury in the first Test in Kolkata.
According to sources close to RevSportz, it has not yet been decided whether Gill will travel with the team to Guwahati. Based on the information received, he will begin neck exercises in a couple of days, after which it may take him at least five to seven days to be ready to play.
With Gill highly unlikely to be selected for the series decider, Nitish has been added to the squad. He was released before the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata so that he could play against South Africa A. In the first unofficial ODI against South Africa A, coming in the lower middle order, he played a good innings, scoring 37 runs off 26 balls. His innings included three fours and a six. With the ball, he took one wicket in two overs. Although the 22-year-old also played in the second match, he did not get a chance with bat and ball.
If Gill cannot make it to the second Test, Nitish will be in contention for a place in the team, although Sai Sudharsan appears to be the leading candidate to replace the Indian captain. Overall, in his Test career, the right-handed Nitish has played nine matches, scoring 386 runs at an average of 29.69, including a century in Australia. The right-arm seamer also has eight wickets to his name.
The second Test will commence on Saturday, November 22, at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
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