IND vs SA 2025 Test: Shubman Gill is ruled out of the Guwahati Test — here are the top contenders to replace him in India’s XI.
The Guwahati Test between India and South Africa will be crucial to find the momentum back after the loss in the first Test. As per latest reports, India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test; the question now is that who will replace him in India’s top-order.
Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata after playing just a few deliveries. He was hospitalized as a precautionary measure after sustaining the injury.
Rishabh Pant, who captained India in the remaining part of the first Test following Gill’s injury, will continue as captain in Guwahati. Pant, who also recently captained India A against South Africa A in red-ball matches and was vice-captain during the England series, is seen as the natural leader for India in Gill’s absence.
Who could replace Gill?
Regarding Shubman Gill’s likely replacement in the batting line-up, India have several options, but each comes with its own considerations:
Nitish Kumar Reddy
An all-rounder with pace bowling skill, Nitish Kumar Reddy could be a replacement, adding depth to both batting and bowling. However, selecting Reddy again may make the team heavier on all-rounders, which is already a characteristic, potentially altering the balance too much.
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Sai Sudharsan
A promising young batter, Sai Sudharsan’s inclusion faces a strategic challenge as it would create an excessively left-hand heavy top order, seven left-handers in the top nine, which is very rare to see. However, if India want a direct replacement for Shubman Gill, Sudharsan can slot in at no. 3, with Pant or Jurel at no. 4, and the all-rounders continuing in their usual roles. But if India plan to drop an all-rounder instead, then Nitish Reddy becomes a viable option to restore the right-hand/left-hand balance.
For now, Washington Sundar appears likely to play down the order if Sudharsan gets him place back. Although he bowled only one over in the Eden Test, the off-spinner spent considerable time bowling in the nets on Tuesday. This could be a sign that the team management wants him to take on a bigger bowling workload in the Barsapara Test, which would give India the option of leaving out a specialist spinner.
If that happens, Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled 22 overs for four wickets at Eden Gardens, may be the one to miss out, especially since Axar Patel’s batting ability strengthens India’s lower order and works in his favour.
Karun Nair
Karun Nair has been in tremendous form in Ranji Trophy 2025-26. While batting for Karnataka he has scored 602 runs from seven innings at an average of 100.33, with two centuries and two half centuries. He makes a compelling case for a comeback into the Indian team.
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Rajat Patidar
Emerging as the prime contender, Rajat Patidar has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, making him a strong candidate. He is a right-hander, fitting well into the team’s strategic composition. Patidar has displayed consistent performance in domestic tournaments, especially in Indian conditions, where pitches offer familiarity and advantage. Also, Ruturaj Gaikwad is waiting in the wings too.
India’s playing XI balance will be crucial in the Guwahati Test. The pitch at Barsapara Stadium is expected to favour fast bowlers with pace, bounce, and some turn. Thus, including an extra pace option alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj is a probable tactical move.
In case Gill is unavailable, as seems increasingly likely, I think India need a right hander in the middle order. I realise the next two are Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan but 7 left handers in the top 9 would be way too many. A short list would be Gaikwad, Sarfaraz & Patidar (if…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 19, 2025
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