India Test captain Shubman Gill is doubtful for the second Test of the series against South Africa. Gill was discharged from the hospital in Kolkata on November 16. A call on Gill’s availability will be taken in the next 24 fours.
“A call on Shubham Gill will be taken in the next 24 hours. BCCI don't want to rush in Gill's case and with consultation of doctors, call on him will be taken,” a top BCCI source told Sports Tak.
“As of now it's tough to say that he will play second Test but let’s see how he progresses in the next medical scan. If required, he will be given proper time and rest.”
Meanwhile, Sports Tak has learned that India’s team for the ODI and T20I series against South Africa will be announced next week.
“As of now it's tough to say that he will play second Test but let’s see how he progresses in the next medical scan. If required, he will be given proper time and rest.”
Who will lead India in ODIs if Gill-Iyer aren’t fit?
The selectors and the team management will face a major dilemma going ahead. While Pant can take over the captaincy duties in the second Test in Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, a new or previous captain may lead in ODIs if Gill misses out and Shreyas Iyer does not regain full fitness as well.
In Gill's debut ODI series as captain, India had former captains Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul as captain. Pant is a captaincy in ODIs as well but KL Rahul is the preferred wicketkeeper-batter in the format. Axar Patel is another candidate. He has led Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).