Former India spinner Anil Kumble has named his choice to replace Shubman Gill in the Guwahati Test against South Africa. Gill suffered a neck injury during the first innings of the opening Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and was taken to hospital. on sunday morning he was ejected from the rest of the match.
Gill is also a doubt for the second Test, which starts on November 22. Kumble said that if Gill is not available, India should bring in Sai Sudharsan, although Devdutt Padikkal is also part of the squad. However, he warned that adding another left-armer could bring in Simon Harmer, who took eight wickets in Kolkata.
“India will certainly hope that Shubman Gill is fit for the next Test. If not, Sai Sudharsan is likely to return. If India continue with six bowlers – two pacers and four spinners – then the rest of the squad should remain the same. That could be the only change,” Kumble told Star Sports.
“If India decide not to use this combination, the other batting option is Devdutt Padikkal. But bringing him in would make the entire top order left-handed, which could invite someone like Simon Harmer to come in and play all day,” Kumble said.
SIMILAR SETUP
However, Kumble added that India will be left with just two pacers unless the pitch at the Barsapara Stadium proves to be a green top offering help to the fast bowlers.
“I don’t think India will play three seamers unless the pitch is green. We don’t know that yet. But overall India should stick to a similar line-up – the only possible change is Gill if he is fit. If not, Sai Sudharsan will come in,” Kumble added.
With the defeat, India slipped to fourth place in the World Test Championship 2025-27 table. They will now look to level the series against the Proteas and avoid a series defeat in Guwahati.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
November 16, 2025
