For the first Test in Kolkata, the reserves players included was B. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, both specialist batters. For crucial Test against South Africa, captain Shubman Gill remains a doubtful starter in Guwahati, starting November 22. In spite of the unpredictability, the national selection committee of India is unlikely to invite a backup batter for the series decider match. Earlier this week, Shubman Gill after facing just three deliveries in the first innings in Kolkata Test, suffered a neck injury that forced him to retire hurt. In India’s second innings,he did not bat – an absence that proved costly as the South Africa slumped to a third-day defeat in the first Test of the two-match series. Gill absence both as team leader and a key top-order batter left India exposed at reproving moments.
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Even if Gill has since been discharged from a Kolkata hospital, his presence – especially as the support in batting of India – could be essential as the team looks to level the series and remain in dispute for a spot in the World Test Championship final.
However, a packed international calendar leading into the T20 World Cup (February – March 2026),and given the sensitive nature of neck injuries, selectors and team management are unlikely to risk Gill unless he is declared fully fit. By Thursday, a final call on his availability is expected.
While Gill is ruled out, the selectors in an additional batter do not plan to fly. Indian Team already has sufficient batting resources in the squad. Devdutt Padikkal and B.Sai Sudharsan, both specialist batters reserves for the first Test in Kolkata. For the second Test in Guwahati, Nitish Kumar Reddy is also assumed to rejoin the squad after being released for the India A one-day series against South Africa A.
It will be up to the selectors to lock in a more effectual combination – and up to the players to deliver when it matters most.
