India has suffered a significant leadership setback ahead of The second test against South Africa must be won at any cost.with the captain Shubman Gill Was out of the first match due to a neck injury. Due to the injury, Gill had to go to Mumbai for special medical evaluation.
Shubman Gill out of Guwahati Test; BCCI announces replacement captain for South Africa match
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) The injury to current captain Gill confirmed the necessary changes in the Indian leadership. The BCCI Secretary released a statement detailing the timeline of Gill’s injury and the subsequent management decision: “Team India 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.”
The statement further added that the injury occurred early in the series: “Gill suffered a neck injury on the second day of the Kolkata Test and was taken to hospital for tests after the end of the day’s play.” Although Gill was discharged the next day, he was deemed unfit for the physical requirements of the second Test. The new leadership was finalized in an official confirmation from the BCCI, which stated: “Unfortunately, he was not fully fit to play in the second Test and will travel to Mumbai for further assessment of his injury.
🚨 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.
In his absence, Rishabh Pant will captain the team in the second test.
Description 🔽 | #INDvSA , @IDFCFIRSTBANK,
– BCCI (@BCCI) 21 November 2025
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IND vs SA: Historic appointment and important assignments in Gill’s absence vs South Africa
Rishabh Pant Will lead the team in the second Test in Gill’s absence, with Pant playing a leadership role to ensure a series-levelling win. The news confirms this “Rishabh Pant will captain India, becoming the 38th Test captain and second wicketkeeper-batsman to do so.” He was marked as the first keeper-batsman since ms dhoni Leading the team in the longest format.
Pant’s elevation to the role of captain is a moment of historical significance, adding him to a very exclusive club of Indian leaders. Pant, who has previous experience of leading India in the T20I series against South Africa in 2022, is stepping into the role at a challenging time, and becomes India’s seventh Test captain in the last five years. Gill’s absence means the team has lost its main leader and key batsman, leaving the onus on Pant to quickly adopt an attacking stance and unify the team. The match in Guwahati, which is making its debut as India’s 30th Test venue, Presents a must-win scenario That’s for Pant to ensure India avoid a series defeat against the Proteas.
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