Will India captain Shubman Gill play 2nd Test against South Africa? Gautam Gambhir provides BIG update
As the 2nd Test between India and South Africa approaches, head coach Gautam Gambhir shared an important update on skipper Shubman Gill’s availability. Gill’s fitness was a cause for concern after the first Test but Gambhir’s words have sparked new hopes among fans awaiting clarity on the team’s playing XI.
India lost by 30 runs against South Africa in the opening Test of their two-match series at the Eden Gardens. This marks the first time India have lost a Test match against the Proteas in 15 years, and it is India’s fourth defeat in the last six home Tests. Captain Shubman Gill added to his trouble during the match, which ruled him out for the entire game. His presence was crucial during the run chase in the fourth innings and fans were left wondering whether he would be fit for the second Test.
In the post-match press conference, head coach Gautam Gambhir said that Shubman Gill is still under evaluation and the physio is ready to make a decision.
“He (Gill) is still being evaluated. We’ll see. Today evening the physiotherapists will take a call, we will also take a call,” he said.
In the 35th over of the second innings, Gill bowled a wide delivery towards leg side for a boundary. But despite his impressive play, he feared injury by clutching his neck in discomfort. The team’s physiotherapist quickly intervened on the field but it soon became clear that he could not continue and he was removed from the game as a precaution.
Gill could not return to bat due to injury. The BCCI released an official statement confirming that he had been transferred to hospital and subsequent scans showed that he could no longer participate in the match.
Gambhir, meanwhile, defended the pitch curator in light of the criticism leveled at the Eden Gardens pitch, asserting that they got ‘exactly’ what they wanted and that there was ‘no evil’ in the wicket.
“This was exactly the pitch we were looking for. I think the curator was very helpful and it was exactly what we wanted and got. When you don’t play well, this is what happens,” Gambhir said in the post-match press conference.
“There was no devil on this wicket. It was not unplayable. Temba Bavuma scored runs and Axar and Washi also scored runs. The thing is, there is no use in constantly talking about the pitch. Most of the wickets went to the seamers. I don’t think it was a difficult wicket. This was a surface where your technique was tested, your mental toughness was challenged and if you have the temperament to practice and bat for long periods of time, you can score runs. But if you try to play attacking cricket then it would become difficult,” he added.
India will compete in the second Test match on Saturday, November 22, at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. If Gill’s injury continues, Rishabh Pant will be the captain of the Indian team.
Also read| ‘That’s exactly what we did…’: Head coach Gautam Gambhir lashes out at on-field critics after India’s 30-run defeat in Kolkata Test
