India’s Test captain Shubman Gill has not been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. As per a report by PTI, Gill skipped practice session on November 20 but will give his fitness test on the morning of November 21. India batting coach feels Gill is recovering well but if he needs more time to regain full fitness, they can fill in the no.4 spot. He also rued Gill’s absence in Kolkata Test where India lost by 30 runs, chasing 124.
“Gill is definitely recovering really well. Now, the decision will be taken tomorrow evening. Even if he's fully reocvered, we have to ensure he doesn't spasm in the game again," Kotak said in the conference on November 20.
"If Shubman would have batted in both the innings in Kolkata, that 30 runs... If he recovers well, he will play. If he feels that he needs time, we have good replacements."
Like the unsuccessful run chase at Eden Gardens, Kotak has backed Dhruv Jurel to bat at no.4 if Gill doesn’t play second Test.
“If Shubman can't play, Dhruv Jurel is an option at No. 4. But we have to look at conditions. We have to see if Shubman plays or not,” Kotak added.
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When Jurel walked out to bat at no.4
After Marco Jansen dismissed both openers cheaply, Jurel walked out to bat at no.4. He shared a 32-run partnership with Washington Sundar. Jurel trusted his defense until he went for a pull shot, losing his shape and was caught by Corbin Bosch in the deep of Simon Harmer's bowling. He scored 13 runs from 34 balls, including three fours.
Jurel’s red-ball run in 2025
Before the Kolkata Test, Jurel had scored two unbeaten centuries against South Africa A in the unofficial Test series. In the absence of Rishabh Pant, he scored a century against West Indies. In 2025, he has played nine first-class matches and scored 938 runs at an average of 78.16, including four centuries and as many fifties.