Shubman Gill to miss second Test? Star all-rounder with 1 Test ton and eight wickets joins India squad ahead of Guwahati Test

The Indian Cricket Team suffered a big blow in the first Test match as captain Shubman Gill got a neck injury while batting and left the field midway, which forced the hosts to feature with 10 batters at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Gill's absence haunted India as they failed to chase down 124 runs against South Africa and lost the Freedom series opener Test by 30 runs. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy joined the India squad

According to a report in India Today, fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been added to the India squad for the second Test as cover for Gill. After Gill's injury, Nitish Reddy has been withdrawn from the ongoing India A series against South Africa A in Rajkot and travelled to Kolkata ahead of the second Test. 

Nitish Reddy reached Kolkata

Reddy who smashed a century in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 reached Kolkata but he didn't take part in India's optional training session. It is understood that it would have been difficult for Reddy to play on Wednesday night in Rajkot and then take a connecting flight the next day to Guwahati, which would also have meant missing the first practice session.

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With a decent Test record, there are chances that Nitish Kumar Reddy might be included in India's playing XI for the second Test, which will start from November 22 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy's Test career

Nitish Kumar Reddy has played nine Tests since making his debut against Australia in Perth during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The fast-bowling all-rounder amassed 386 runs in nine outings and picked up eight wickets. The 22-year-old star's last Test outing came against West Indies.

Shubman Gill injury update

However, News agency PTI reported that skipper Gill, who was hospitalised after suffering pain in his neck, will be flying with the team to Guwahati, but he will most likely to miss the second clash. If Gill is unable to be fit for the Guwahati Test selection, then he will travel to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from Kolkata, as there are no restrictions on flying.