Not Devdutt Padikkal, Anil Kumble picks this star as Shubman Gill's replacement for second Test against South Africa

Former India captain Anil Kumble reckons that Sai Sudharasan will be the like-for-like replacement for skipper Shubman Gill if he is not available for the selection of the second Test match against South Africa, which will take place form November 22 to 26 at ACA Stadium in Guwahati.

Kumble on India's playing XI

Kumble backed Gambhir's decision of featuring with multiple all-rounders and suggested the management to go with the same playing XI after the heavy loss in the first match, except for the unlikely scenario that Guwahati welcomes them wth a green pitch.

Kumble for Shubman Gill's replacement

Gill left the field midway after suffering uneasiness in the neck, and later he got hospitalised. He’s now said to have been discharged, but whether he’ll participate in the next game remains unclear, with both the BCCI and those close to the batter waiting on a final clearance.

“India will certainly be hoping that Shubman Gill is fit for the next Test," Kumble told Star Sports. “If he isn’t, Sai Sudharsan will likely come back in. If India continues with six bowlers – two pacers and four spinners – then the rest of the team should remain the same. That might be the only change," he added.

Kumble explains why BCCI will not go with Devdutt Padikkal

Kumble explained that the management will not go for Devdutt Padikkal because it will not work as the side is already featuring with six-left handed batters.

“If India chooses not to go with that combination, the other batting option is Devdutt Padikkal. However, bringing him in would make the entire top order left-handed, which could invite someone like Simon Harmer to come in and bowl all day," Kumble said. “… I don’t think India will play three seamers unless the pitch is a green top. We don’t know that yet. But overall, India should stick with a similar lineup — with the only possible change being Gill, if he’s fit. If he isn’t, Sai Sudharsan comes in," he added.

Sudharsan made his Test debut in England during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and played at number three. However, the team dropped him from the 11 for this series, bringing in left-handed all-rounder Washington Sundar for the position.