Captain of Team India, Shubman Gill, who has been declared unfit to play for the upcoming second Test match against South Africa, is now a doubtful case for the three-match ODI series against the same team.
As per recent news, Gill’s chances for playing in ODIs are still unclear, thus leaving a huge decision about the captaincy for India.
The Test series against the Proteas is currently unfavorable for India as they are down 0-1. The Blue Brigade need to win the next Test to not lose the series again
In case India loses once more, it will be the second Test series wipeout in one year under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching. The venue for the match is Guwahati, and the date is November 22.
India Skipper Shubman Gill Ruled to miss White ball series against South Africa
Gill suffered a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata, which causes him to be absent for the second match and possibly the following ODI series. However, the management is working on a possible scenario of resting him since he has been playing continuously.
Shreyas Iyer, who was named Gill’s deputy for ODIs, is still in recovery from the injury he got in the Sydney ODI. The likes of KL Rahul or Axar Patel could be made captains temporarily as a minor leadership change.
PTI reports mentioned that Gill may need at least another ten days of rehab. The right-handed batsman can be fit for the T20 series with full fitness.
It is a fact that the ODI series will not carry much weight for the team, considering that the main focus of preparation will be the T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka.
Selectors to name Gaikwad in place of Gill in the Squad
In case Shubman Gill is ruled out of the ODI series against South Africa, it is the selectors’ expectation that Ruturaj Gaikwad will be considered his first-choice replacement. The right-handed batsman has been, and by nature, is one of the players most suitable for the role.
Kolkata Test: Shubman Gill Compelled to Retire Hurt Early in His Innings
Shubman Gill had to retire hurt in the match, and this made him inactive for that day and the rest of the game. The player was taken to the hospital that night but was released the next day. He even flew with the team to Guwahati, which is quite remarkable.
The captain was expected to be present at the team hotel in Guwahati on November 19, but playing in the match is not very likely for him. The line-up is expected to see Sai Sudharsan coming in for him in the batting order, while Rishabh Pant will be the captain in the must-win match.
After the second Test, the Indian team will look forward to the home ODI series against South Africa comprising three matches. The series will start on November 30 in Ranchi, and then the matches will be in Raipur and Visakhapatnam on December 3 and December 6, respectively.