IND vs SA: If Shubman Gill is ruled out, who will replace him?

IND vs SA: If Shubman Gill is ruled out, who will replace him?: India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill, suffered an injury in the first Test in Kolkata. Consequently, he didn’t come out to bat in the second innings, and he didn’t bat fully in the first innings either. Gill’s participation in the second Test in Guwahati is doubtful. The question then is who will replace him if he leaves the team.

The second Test between India and South Africa begins on November 22nd. It’s crucial for Team India to win this Test match. They are trailing 0-1 in the series, and failing to win the next Test match will result in a series loss. Team India will not want to lose the series at home, so they will be putting their heart and soul into this match. Therefore, Gill’s return is crucial for Team India.

Who could replace Shubman Gill against South Africa?

  1. Sai Sudarshan

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If Gill doesn’t play in the second Test, Sai Sudarshan could replace him in the team’s playing XI. The team management is already looking at Sudarshan as a long-term prospect. He didn’t play in the first Test match. He typically bats at number three. However, in Kolkata, the team played Washington Sundar at number three, so Sudarshan could replace Gill at number four.

2. Devdutt Padikkal

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In addition to Sudarshan, there’s another left-handed batsman in the team: Devdutt Padikkal. Padikkal could also replace Gill in the team. He could play at number four. Padikkal made his debut against England. He hasn’t been able to establish a regular spot in the team, but his ability to perform well on home pitches could be useful for the team.

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3. Sarfaraz Khan

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Sudarshan and Padikkal are part of the team. Both are left-handed batsmen and play in the upper order. If the team wants a batsman like Gill, they have the option of Sarfaraz Khan. He is not in the team, but if Gill is dropped, he could replace him and play in the playing XI. Sarfaraz has been scoring consistently in domestic cricket. He could strengthen the Indian batting order.

4. Karun Nair

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Another name on this list who could be included in Team India is Karun Nair. Nair was with Team India on the England tour but was dropped due to poor performance. He is currently playing in the Ranji Trophy and scored 95 runs in Karnataka’s first innings against Chandigarh. Nair’s experience on home soil could be useful for the team at crucial times.

5. Ruturaj Gaikwad

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Ruturaj Gaikwad is another option. Although Gaikwad is also an opener, Gill also opens in ODIs and T20s, but plays at number 4 in Tests. Similarly, Gaikwad could also play at number 4. Gaikwad is considered to be technically very strong.

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