Shamik Chakrabarty in Kolkata
Shubman Gill is all but out of the Guwahati Test starting on November 22, it is learnt. This is a big blow for India, with the team staring at two whitewashes in three Test home series over the last 12-odd months. India had suffered a 3-0 clean-sweep against New Zealand last year. They have lost the first Test of the ongoing two-match series against South Africa.
Gill aggravated his neck injury while batting in the first innings in Kolkata. He retired hurt and as the pain became severe, the India captain had to be admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata later that day. He couldn’t bat during India’s second innings in the first Test as he was kept under observation at the hospital. And although Gill was discharged Sunday evening, the pain didn’t completely subside. He is much better now, but still under treatment.
In fact, according to sources, it hasn’t been decided whether Gill would even travel with the team to Guwahati. In a couple of days, he will start neck exercises and after that it might take him at least 5-7 days to be ready to play. According to the specialists, only after Gill starts neck exercises, can it be understood when he will be able to play. The three-match ODI series against South Africa commences on November 30. Gill, who is also India’s captain in the 50-over format, is expected to be fit by then.
Gill has a history of neck stiffness. Acute spasms made things pretty bad this time. The good news is that the skipper is recovering steadily. On November 15, RevSportz broke the story of Gill being doubtful for the Guwahati Test. As things stand, he will have to pull off a mini-miracle to turn up for the series decider.
In Gill’s absence, Sai Sudharsan is likely to return to the playing XI for the Guwahati Test. It needs to be seen if the selection committee adds Ruturaj Gaikwad or Sarfaraz Khan to the squad.
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