Gill sustained the injury on Day 2 at Eden Gardens, which forced him to sit out India’s chase of 124 — a pursuit that ended in a 30-run defeat. Though he was discharged from a Kolkata hospital and arrived in Guwahati without a neck brace, the medical team advised against exposing him to the demands of a five-day match.
An NDTV report said Gill was “desperate to play”, but the risk of aggravation remained too high. With the series on the line and long-term fitness in mind, the management opted for caution.
Sai Sudharsan set to step in at the top
India are now expected to bring in 24-year-old left-hander Sai Sudharsan to open. Having debuted in England in June, Sudharsan has five Tests under his belt, scoring 273 runs at 30.33. His composed 87 against West Indies in October has convinced the team management that his temperament suits a high-pressure decider.
India have also strengthened their squad by drafting in Nitish Kumar Reddy early, while keeping Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal in the mix for the Guwahati clash.
Leadership concerns as ODI doubts rise
Gill’s recovery may require at least 10 more days, according to PTI, putting his participation in the ODI series starting 30 November in Ranchi in serious doubt. With little at stake in that series, selectors are likely to rest him before bringing him back for the T20 leg.
The injury complicates India’s leadership structure, with ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also recovering from his own setback. The management is wary of a temporary shift in captaincy, which could bring KL Rahul or Axar Patel into a stop-gap role.
Historic Test for Guwahati, but a crucial absence for India
Guwahati is hosting its first-ever Test, with conditions expected to offer turn and bounce on a red-soil surface. Gill’s assured right-handed batting at the top would have been invaluable, making his absence even more significant for the hosts.
Conclusion
With the series hanging in the balance, India enter the Guwahati Test without their skipper and key opener. The spotlight now turns to Sai Sudharsan, India’s reshuffled leadership group, and the team’s ability to overcome a difficult setback in a historic fixture.