Shubman Gill Doubtful for Second Test; India Rush in Emergency Replacement | Reports

India has reportedly called up Nitish Kumar Reddy as cover after Shubman Gill’s neck injury left him doubtful for the second Test in Guwahati.

Shubman Gill is doubtful for the second Test against South Africa after developing a neck spasm during the opening match in Kolkata, prompting India to make a late adjustment to their squad. According to reports from PTI, while he will travel with the team to Guwahati, BCCI sources indicated that his stiffness has not improved enough to confirm his availability.

As a precaution, India have brought back all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was withdrawn from the India A List A series in Rajkot. Reddy, originally named in the Test squad, had been released before the first Test but was scheduled to rejoin the team in Guwahati.

Due to India’s need to finalise options for a must-win match, he was flown from Rajkot to Kolkata on Monday. Reddy linked up with the senior squad but did not participate in the optional training session at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

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With a Test hundred already to his name and offering a right-handed option, Reddy could be considered for the XI in Guwahati. India are likely to make a final decision on Shubman Gill on Tuesday. If he is ruled out, he will fly from Kolkata to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further assessment.