IND vs SA 2nd Test: Shubman Gill ruled out, Rishabh Pant set to lead India in series decider

Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (Pic: BCCI)

Team India's skipper, Shubman Gill, will miss out on the second Test match against South Africa. In his absence, Rishabh Pant will take over the leadership duties for the series decider against the Proteas.

Providing an update on Gill's injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a post on its official social media handle, which read, "Update #TeamIndia captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa, has been ruled out of the second Test in Guwahati. Rishabh Pant will lead the team in the 2nd Test in his absence. Details | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank".

The post also stated that the right-hander fell short of gaining match fitness, following which he will be travelling to Mumbai for further assessment of the injury.

However, the board is yet to announce the name of the player who will be included in the playing XI to fill in Gill's shoes. So far, Sai Sudharsan emerges as the top contender for the role.

Currently, the Proteas are leading the two-match Test series by 1-0. Ahead of the series decider, Temba Bavuma and his men will look to script history on Indian soil, whereas the hosts will play for pride and will aim to win the Guwahati clash.

On the other hand, South Africa's lead pacer Kagiso Rabada's availability for the second Test match is also uncertain. Earlier, the pacer missed out on the series opener due to a rib injury and didn't show up for the practice session on November 20th.

Speaking on his fitness, South Africa's bowling coach Piet Botha said that he is being monitored by the medical team, but the decision on his availability will require more time.

"Rabada is still being monitored by our medical staff. It obviously wasn't in practise today, but they'll make a call in the next 24 hours," he said.

The second Test match between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati. It will be interesting to see if Team India manages to bounce back under the leadership of Pant.