IND vs SA: Shubman Gill ruled out as BCCI appoints new captain for the Guwahati Test vs South Africa

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India have suffered a significant leadership setback ahead of the must-win second Test against South Africa, with captain Shubman Gill ruled out due to a neck injury sustained in the first match. The injury has necessitated Gill’s departure to Mumbai for specialized medical assessment.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the crucial changes to the Indian leadership, necessitated by the injury to the incumbent skipper, Gill. The BCCI Secretary released a statement detailing Gill’s injury timeline 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 noted that the injury occurred early in the series: “Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day’s play.” Although Gill was discharged the following day, he was deemed unfit for the physical demands of the second Test.  The BCCI’s official confirmation finalized the new leadership, stating: “Unfortunately, he was not fully fit to feature in the 2nd Test and will head 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.

Rishabh Pant will lead the team in the 2nd Test in his absence.

Details 🔽 | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank…

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 21, 2025

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Rishabh Pant will lead the team in the 2nd Test in Gill’s absence, with Pant assuming the leadership role to secure a series-leveling win. The news confirms that “Rishabh Pant will captain India, becoming the 38th Test leader and second wicketkeeper-batter to do so,” marking him as the first keeper-batter since MS Dhoni to lead the side in the longest format.

Pant’s elevation to the role of captain is a moment of historical significance, placing him in a very exclusive club of Indian leaders. Pant, who has previous experience leading India in a T20I series against South Africa in 2022, steps into the role at a challenging time, becoming India’s seventh Test captain in the last five years. Gill’s absence means the team loses its main leader and key batters, putting the onus on Pant to quickly instill his aggressive approach and rally the squad. The match in Guwahati, which is making its debut as India’s 30th Test venue, presents a must-win scenario for Pant to ensure India avoids a series defeat against the Proteas.

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