UPDATE: India captain Shubman Gill has been officially ruled out of the second and final Test match against South Africa due to a neck injury, just hours before the match kicks off at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. This significant development comes after Gill retired hurt during the first Test in Kolkata, which saw South Africa clinch victory in under three days.
The BCCI confirmed that Gill, who traveled to Guwahati for the match after being discharged from the hospital, was not fit enough to participate. He will now head to Mumbai for further medical assessment. “Unfortunately, he was not fully fit to feature in the second Test,” the BCCI stated.
In his absence, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the captain. Pant expressed pride in leading the team but emphasized the need to remain focused on the game. “Whenever you are leading your country, it’s the proudest moment, especially in Test cricket,” he remarked. “I just want to keep things simple and not get distracted by the captaincy pressure.”
Adding to South Africa’s challenges, star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will also miss this match. Rabada is sidelined due to a rib injury sustained in training, which also prevents him from participating in the upcoming white-ball series. Cricket South Africa announced that Rabada will continue his rehabilitation and return home after the Test.
To fill the gap left by Rabada, South Africa has called up seamer Lungi Ngidi, who could make his appearance in this crucial match. The second Test is set to begin at 10:30 AM IST on October 7, 2023, marking an important moment as it is the first Test ever hosted at Barsapara Stadium.
Fans and players alike are anxious to see how India responds without their captain against a formidable South African side. The stakes are high as India looks to level the series after losing the first Test.
Stay tuned for live updates as the match unfolds, and keep an eye on developments surrounding Gill’s condition and South Africa’s squad changes.
