Gill Injury: Sai or Padikkal for Guwahati Test?
The plot has thickened for India’s desperate bid to level the series against South Africa. Captain Shubman Gill, who was stretchered off on Day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata after just three balls due to a severe neck spasm, remains a major doubt for the second Test in Guwahati starting November 22nd . His absence isn’t just a blow to the batting order; it’s a massive leadership void. Now, the burning question on every fan’s mind is: who is the right Shubman Gill replacement?
Former Indian legend and master strategist Anil Kumble has already entered the fray, publicly suggesting his preferred candidate. But with another talented batter waiting in the wings, the selection committee has a genuine dilemma on its hands—a choice that could shape the series.
Table of Contents
- The Captain’s Injury Crisis
- Anil Kumble’s Verdict
- The Case for Sai Sudharsan
- The Argument for Devdutt Padikkal
- Head-to-Head: A Statistical Duel
- The Guwahati Factor
- Conclusion: Making the Tough Call
- Sources
The Captain’s Injury Crisis
Gill’s injury was alarming. He was spotted wearing a neck brace after being rushed to a private hospital for scans . While he has since been discharged , his availability for the high-pressure Guwahati Test is far from certain. Without their captain and a key top-order batter, India’s already shaky batting unit, which collapsed to 93 all out in Kolkata , looks even more vulnerable. This is where the Shubman Gill replacement debate becomes absolutely critical.
Anil Kumble’s Verdict
Stepping into the selector’s shoes, Anil Kumble has made his preference clear. In his analysis, Kumble has suggested that Sai Sudharsan is the most suitable candidate to step in if Gill is ruled out . Kumble’s reasoning likely stems from Sudharsan’s recent showing in the IPL and his perceived technical soundness against spin, a key weapon in South Africa’s arsenal. Kumble also acknowledged Devdutt Padikkal as a viable alternative, but his primary backing seems to be for the young Tamil Nadu star .
The Case for Sai Sudharsan
Sudharsan has been one of the most consistent performers in white-ball cricket. In the IPL, he’s a proven match-winner. In his last 10 matches alone, he’s amassed 501 runs at a staggering average of 55.67 and a strike rate of over 154 . His ability to rotate strike and build an innings from the top makes him a strong candidate to fill Gill’s shoes.
However, his recent first-class form in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy has been a concern, with an average of just 30.30 from 9 innings . Proponents of his selection argue that his IPL success is a better indicator of his ability to handle international pace and pressure, and that his technique is well-suited for the No. 3 spot.
The Argument for Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal’s claim is built on a solid foundation of red-ball pedigree. He boasts a healthy first-class average of 41.01 from 82 innings, including 7 centuries and 19 fifties . He also scored a massive 178 in the Ranji Trophy back in 2022 .
His recent form for India A has been impressive too. In a tour game, he scored an unbeaten 80, showing patience and resilience . While his IPL performances in recent seasons haven’t been as explosive, his classical technique and proven ability to compile big scores in domestic cricket offer a sense of stability that a reeling Indian batting lineup desperately needs.
Head-to-Head: A Statistical Duel
To break the tie, let’s look at the numbers:
| Player | First-Class Average | Recent Ranji Form (2024-25) | IPL Pedigree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sai Sudharsan | Data not as extensive | 30.30 (9 inns) | Excellent (55.67 avg in recent games) |
| Devdutt Padikkal | 41.01 (82 inns) | Strong past record | Good, but less consistent recently |
The Guwahati Factor
The pitch in Guwahati is expected to be a good batting track, but it could offer some early assistance to the seamers. This might slightly favour a player with a more classical, technically sound approach to see off the new ball. However, India will also need someone who can counter the threat of Keshav Maharaj and the part-time spin of Dean Elgar. This is where Sudharsan’s IPL-honed skills against spin could be a game-changer. The conditions add another layer to this complex selection puzzle.
Conclusion: Making the Tough Call
Both candidates have strong, yet contrasting, cases. Anil Kumble’s preference for Sai Sudharsan as the Shubman Gill replacement leans towards recent high-pressure, high-visibility performance . On the other hand, Devdutt Padikkal offers a more traditional, statistically robust red-ball resume that promises stability.
With the series on the line and the team needing to bounce back from a demoralizing loss, the selectors face a monumental decision. They must choose between the flair and recent big-stage success of Sudharsan and the proven, patient craft of Padikkal. The right choice could be the spark India needs to turn the series around.
Sources
- Mint: “Shubman Gill leaves Kolkata hospital with neck held in …”
- Times of India: Reports on Gill’s hospitalization and discharge [[5], [6]]
- Various sources on Anil Kumble’s comments regarding potential replacements [[18], [19], [21]]
- Cricket statistics portals for Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal’s domestic and IPL records [[7], [8], [9], [12], [15]]
- Match report on India’s 93 all out collapse in the first Test