India captain Shubman Gill is set to travel to Guwahati ahead of the second Test against South Africa, despite doubts over his availability due to a neck injury.
The 26-year-old sustained the injury on the second day of the first Test in Kolkata, which India lost by 30 runs. Forced to retire hurt during the first innings, Gill was subsequently hospitalised.
The BCCI has confirmed that Gill is responding positively to treatment and will join the team on November 19, 2025.
“Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel with the team to Guwahati,” said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. However, the medical team will continue to monitor his condition, and a final decision on his participation in the second Test will be made in the coming days.
The second Test is scheduled to begin on November 22, and while Gill is traveling with the squad, the team management is preparing for the possibility that he may not be fit to play.
To cover for the potential absence of the star batsman, the BCCI has drafted all-rounder Nitish Reddy into the squad.
Reddy, who was playing in the India A series against South Africa A in Rajkot, was released from that assignment and joined the Indian National Team in Kolkata on Monday evening. Though he did not train on Tuesday, the right-hander - who has a Test century to his name - remains in contention for the playing XI if Gill is ruled out.
