By Admin 
Captain Shubman Gill remains a doubtful starter for India’s crucial Test against South Africa in Guwahati, beginning November 22. Despite the uncertainty, the national selection committee is unlikely to summon a backup batter for the series decider.
Gill suffered a neck injury that forced him to retire hurt after facing just three deliveries in the first innings in Kolkata earlier this week. He did not bat in India’s second innings either — an absence that proved costly as the hosts slumped to a third-day defeat in the opening Test of the two-match series. His unavailability both as captain and a key top-order batter left India exposed at critical moments.
Although Gill has since been discharged from a Kolkata hospital, his presence — especially as the stabilising force in India’s batting — could be vital as the team looks to level the series and remain in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship final.
However, given the sensitive nature of neck injuries and a packed international calendar leading into the T20 World Cup (February–March 2026), the team management and selectors are unlikely to risk him unless he is declared fully fit. A final call on his availability is expected by Thursday.
Even if Gill is ruled out, The Hindu understands that the selectors do not plan to fly in an additional batter. India already has ample batting resources in the squad. The reserves for the Kolkata Test included B. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, both specialist batters. Nitish Kumar Reddy is also expected to rejoin the squad in Guwahati after being released for the India A one-day series against South Africa A.
With sufficient depth at their disposal, it will be up to the team management to lock in a more effective combination — and up to the players to deliver when it matters most.