The second Test is to begin in Guwahati on November 22 with India trailing 0-1.
India captain Shubman Gill, who is dealing with a neck injury, is likely to travel to Guwahati with the Indian team for the second Test against South Africa. The test begins on November 22, with India trailing 0-1 in the series.
India was defeated by South Africa by 30 runs in what is their first Test win in India since 2010.
Shubman Gill had suffered a neck sprain while batting in India’s first innings in the first Test in Kolkata and had to be admitted to the Woodlands Hospital in the city for treatment. He was discharged on Sunday night and has been with the Indian team at ITC Sonar in Kolkata. As per reports, Shubman Gill is scheduled to fly with the side on Wednesday (November 19).
"That was the original plan, and there is no change as of now—Gill will travel. Barring a last-minute change, he should be in Guwahati,” the Cricbuzz report stated.
His condition is being monitored by both the BCCI and local doctors. Team management and selectors are in frequent communication with one another. It is evident that everyone involved wants Gill to play the Test, but they are also adamant about not pushing him back. A final decision on his participation will be made one day before the match.
The BCCI selection committee has called up all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to join the Indian squad in Kolkata, and he’ll fly with the squad to Guwahati on Wednesday morning.
Nitish was in Rajkot as part of India A's white-ball side, which is currently playing a three-match one-day series against South Africa A. He was asked late on Monday evening to proceed to Kolkata, and he rushed there.
The Andhra all-rounder was initially part of the Indian squad for the South Africa series but was released before the first Test began and was asked to play the white-ball series in Rajkot. He featured in the first two games, on November 13 and 16, which India won, but was called back before the third match, scheduled for November 19.
The urgent decision to add Nitish Kumar Reddy to the Indian squad is likely due to the abundance of left-handers in the batting lineup and the lack of right-handed batters. As many as 6 left-handers played in the Indian XI in the first Test, and Reddy, being a right-hander, might work in his favor.
(Cricbuzz inputs)