Team India has encountered a major hurdle mid-series against South Africa. Injured during the Kolkata Test, Captain Shubman Gill is now excluded from the second Test in Guwahati. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made this announcement on Friday (November 21).
It's important to note that on the second day of the Kolkata Test, Gill experienced neck stiffness, which required immediate hospital attention after the day's play ended. He was kept under observation overnight and released the following day.
On November 19, 2025, Gill traveled with the team to Guwahati but was excluded from the playing eleven due to incomplete recovery. He is now being sent to Mumbai for further medical assessments.
Rishabh Pant will take up the mantle of Team India's captaincy, stepping in to lead in Gill's place for the second Test. Pant faces the significant challenge of turning the series around.
This development is a major setback for Team India, given Gill's impressive coordination and performance as captain over the past few months. The spotlight is now on how Pant manages this new leadership role.
Gill's recovery from the first Test injury remains incomplete, leading the team management to decide on granting him rest. Team India will now face the Guwahati Test with a new captain at the helm.
Pant to Become India's 38th Test Captain
The upcoming Test match in Guwahati, commencing from November 22, is set to be historic for Rishabh Pant as he becomes India's 38th Test captain. Remember, Shubman Gill was first appointed Test captain on May 24, 2025, replacing Rohit Sharma. He led the team in the England series, which ended in a 2-2 draw under his captaincy.
