The Indian cricket team is getting ready for a big lineup choice as they get ready for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, which starts on November 22. The doubt is around captain Shubman Gill, who had a neck spasm in Kolkata’s first Test and is still a dubious starting choice.
Indian batting coach Sitanshi Kotak confirmed that the team already has a backup plan for No. 4 batter, a position which would be vacant if Gill is unable to join the team.
Kotak pointed out, the hint had surfaced in the concluding moments of the Kolkata Test when Gill’s absence allowed Dhruv Jurel to be sent at No. 4.
According to Kotak, the last choice will depend on Gill’s fitness test set just prior to the Guwahati game. He stressed that medical personnel must rule out any possibility of a recurrence of the spasm, even if Gill seems to have recovered.
Indian leadership is treading a tight line. Gill’s return would give stability in a critical batting position; on the other hand, risking another injury might prove expensive. Kotak said that there are substitutes ready on the team; they are good hitters who can come in and significantly influence the game.
The stakes are great; Gill’s fitness and shape have already been very important in India’s first Test; therefore, with the series on the line, the team has to strike a balance between current performance and long-term welfare.
If Shubman Gill does not play, Dhruv Jurel would most likely get another chance; nevertheless, other names such as Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also under consideration, giving India several strategic alternatives.
Also Read: Pant & Jurel Set to Play Together in India’s 1st Test XI Against South Africa
One thing is evident as the team completes its plans in the next days, that India is getting ready for either situation, with or without their beleaguered captain.
