Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar back Shubman Gill despite fitness concerns, ignore THIS star cricketer
New Delhi: Team India’s captain Shubman Gill’s neck injury hasn’t recovered ahead of India’s crucial second Test against South Africa later this week, yet PTI reports that the captain is determined to take the field. The update comes after Gill joined the Indian squad in Guwahati on Wednesday.
Gill sustained a neck injury during the opening Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and missed India’s final innings, in which the team was bowled out for just 93 while chasing a modest target of 124-run. He was discharged from the hospital on Sunday and advised rest for a few days, with initial reports indicating he might not travel to Guwahati for the second Test.
Shubman Gill joned the squad, despite medical advice
Despite medical advice, Gill joined the squad. According to team sources speaking to PTI, he has not recovered fully. While the pain in his neck has eased, it continues to trouble him. The 25-year-old is expected to put in extra effort during training at Barsapara Stadium on Thursday and Friday to prove his fitness.
With doubts over Gill’s availability, there have been talks about Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal as his replacement. However, both are left-handers, and including either would mean India fields seven left-handed batters, potentially giving South Africa an edge. In the opening Test, South Africa’s off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed eight left-handers wicket
Will India bring in Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair or Abhimanyu Easwaran?
Another perspective suggests India could bring in a right-hander such as Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair, or Abhimanyu Easwaran from outside the squad as this is a home Test. However, PTI reports that the current coaching staff and selection committee have little confidence in them. They also believe that choosing a batter not already in the squad “would signal a massive lack of trust in the youngsters’ ability to handle pressure.” This indicates that the Indian team management, which has opted not to name a replacement for the skipper, considers a half-fit Gill a better option than Nair, Sarfaraz, or Easwaran.
Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran haven’t done enough to get an opportunity, with their recent first-class performances. Easwaran, who had been higher in the pecking order after spending significant time with the Test squad, has been inconsistent, registering scores of 0, 71, 20, 25, 0, and 0. Sarfaraz has also struggled in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
Barsapara Stadium to host a Test match for the first time ever
Meanwhile, Karun Nair has been in a great form with the bat, scoring 73, 8, 174*, 233, 4 and 15 since being dropped after the England tour. Despite this, the team management is unlikely to reconsider him.
The second match is all set to start on November 22, with Barsapara Stadium hosting a Test match for the first time ever.
Earlier last week, the reigning World Test champions claimed their first victory on Indian soil in 15 years and are now on the brink of their second-ever Test series win in India.
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