India’s preparations for the second and final Test against South Africa have taken a dramatic turn, with Nitish Kumar Reddy making an immediate recall to the squad earlier than planned. India and South Africa are set to face each other in the final Test in Guwahati from November 22.
Nitish Kumar Reddy was released only last week to play for India A in the ODI series against South Africa A, but the team management has now called up the young all-rounder ahead of schedule as they reconsider their options for the final Test.
India call up Nitish Kumar Reddy as Shubman Gill’s injury threatens plans
Earlier, the BCCI had said that Reddy would join straight away for the second Test, but Shubman Gill’s injury dealt a blow to India’s plans. Gill’s fitness remains the biggest concern before the Guwahati Test.
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The Indian captain collapsed while playing a sweep shot in the first Test and walked off the field after facing only three balls due to neck cramps. He was admitted to the hospital under the care of Dr. Dinesh Pardiwala. However, the Indian captain has been discharged from a hospital in Kolkata.
The right-handed batsman is expected to travel with the Indian team to Guwahati on Wednesday (November 19), but his chances of playing are uncertain. The medical staff is keeping a close watch on Gill, but there is a high possibility that he will travel separately to Guwahati and miss the game against South Africa.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has not yet joined the team at Eden Gardens.
– Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) 18 November 2025
Nitish Kumar Reddy to prepare at Eden Gardens as India look to win the Guwahati Test
Meanwhile, according to a Times of India report, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been called up early by the Indian team management. Reddy has already rejoined the Test squad in Kolkata, and he will take part in the team’s optional training session at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday, November 18.
The Indian all-rounder played only one 50-over game for India A, in which he scored 37 and took 1/18, against South Africa A at Rajkot. His return to the Test side means Reddy will miss India A’s third match in Rajkot on November 19.
For India, Reddy’s versatility makes him a valuable backup option, especially when the national team is trying to keep its left-right combination balanced.
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Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudarshan may make a comeback in Guwahati
Although Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudarshan are available on the bench, Reddy is almost certain to be in India’s XI for the second and final Test against South Africa as the hosts aim to level the series after losing the first game by 30 runs.
Notably, Guwahati is preparing to host its first Test match. With the opening Test ending in three days, India desperately needed to make a comeback and level the series 1-1. After the Test series, both the teams will also play three ODIs and five T20 matches.