Indian skipper Shubman Gill is a doubt for the second and final Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting on Saturday, November 22. The Indian team management recalled all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was released ahead of the series opener, for the next match.
Shubman Gill suffered a neck spasm while batting on Day 2 of the first Test at the Eden Gardens. The physio came onto the field, and Gill was forced to leave after just three deliveries. He was later taken to a private hospital, where he remained under observation with a cervical collar as a precaution.
The ace batter was ruled out before play resumed on Day 3 and took no further part in the match. His absence proved costly, as India were left a specialist batter short during their chase of 124 in the fourth innings. Without their skipper, the hosts collapsed to 93 all out and lost the first Test by 30 runs.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Recalled to the Indian Test Squad Amid Shubman Gill’s Injury
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been called back into the Indian Test squad, according to the Times of India. He is set to join the team for an optional training session at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday, November 18, before the squad departs for Guwahati on Wednesday.
The team management had released Reddy so he could continue playing in a three-match one-day series. However, Shubman Gill’s neck injury in the first Test forced the management to recall him sooner than expected.
Reddy could be in contention for a place in the playing XI for the Guwahati Test if the captain is unable to recover in time.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Last Seen in Action in India A’s Match Against South Africa A
Nitish Kumar Reddy recently returned to action in India A’s match against South Africa A. He scored 37 runs and picked up 1 wicket for 18 runs as India A clinched a four-wicket win in Rajkot on Thursday, November 13.
Notably, it was his first match since recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained during the ODI series in Australia, which had kept him out of the T20Is. He did not get a chance to bat or bowl in the second game, as the hosts sealed the series 2-0.
Reddy made his Test debut on the Australia tour last year. He has featured in nine Tests, scoring 386 runs at an average of 29.69, including a century. The right-arm medium pacer has also taken eight wickets. He played both home Tests against the West Indies, where the hosts completed a clean sweep.
Shubman Gill Advised Not to Take a Flight Due to His Neck Injury
The Indian Test squad is set to travel to Guwahati on Wednesday for the second Test, but Shubman Gill may not join them. According to a report by news agency PTI, the medical team has advised him not to take a flight due to his neck injury.
“He (Gill) has acute neck pain, and we’re not allowed to go into further details about the injury. He has to keep continuing to wear the neck collar,” a source was quoted as saying by PTI.
“He has been advised three to four days’ rest and not to take flight. In this situation, he is not advised to travel to Guwahati. But we are monitoring his progress on a daily basis, and the picture will be clearer by Tuesday,” the sources added.