Shubman Gill Ruled Out of Guwahati Test Against South Africa Due to Neck Strain
BCCI medical team declares star opener unfit; India forced into another change for crucial second match starting November 23
Guwahati (Assam) | November 20, 2025
Indian cricket team suffered a major blow ahead of the second Test against South Africa as stylish opener Shubman Gill has been officially ruled out of the Guwahati encounter due to persistent neck stiffness.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a medical update on Thursday evening confirming that Gill continues to experience discomfort in his neck and has been declared unfit by the medical team. The 26-year-old had already missed the final day’s play in the opening Test at Centurion after complaining of neck strain while batting on Day 3.
“Shubman Gill has reported neck stiffness and has been advised rest. He will continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI medical team and will not take any further part in the second Test,” the BCCI statement read.
Gill had scored a gritty 78 in India’s first innings at Centurion before he was forced to retire hurt. He did not come out to bat in the second innings and was seen with heavy strapping around his neck during India’s run-chase.
With Gill unavailable, India are likely to hand a debut to either Abhimanyu Easwaran or promote KL Rahul to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rahul had batted at No. 3 in the first Test after replacing Gill mid-innings.
The second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati begins on November 23, with India leading the two-match series 1-0 following their comprehensive victory by 185 runs in Centurion. The hosts will be keen to seal the series and strengthen their position in the World Test Championship standings.
