Every Indian fan is asking the same question: Will Gill play Guwahati Test? The uncertainty surrounding captain Shubman Gill’s availability has cast a shadow over an already tense build-up to the must-win second Test against South Africa. But now, there’s finally some clarity—and a deadline.
India’s batting coach has confirmed that a definitive call on Gill’s participation will be made on Saturday, just a day before the match begins on November 23, 2025 . This cautious approach underscores how seriously the team management is taking his troubling neck spasm, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gain.
Shubman Gill’s neck spasm first flared up during the latter stages of the first Test in Kolkata, where India suffered a shocking 30-run defeat. Though he managed to bat in the first innings, the discomfort visibly hampered his movement and shot selection .
Neck injuries are particularly tricky for cricketers. The constant need to track the ball—especially against fast bowlers—and the physical demands of batting and fielding make full recovery essential before returning to play. Rushing back could not only worsen the injury but also increase the risk of long-term damage .
In a candid update, India’s batting coach addressed the media and gave fans a concrete answer on when to expect news. “We are monitoring Shubman closely. He’s been doing light drills, but full-contact training hasn’t started yet. We will make our final call on his availability on Saturday,” the coach stated .
This timeline is crucial. It means the team will have less than 24 hours to finalize their playing XI if Gill is ruled out, adding immense pressure on selectors to have backup plans ready. The decision window is tight, but it’s a necessary precaution.
Choosing Saturday for the final assessment isn’t arbitrary. Medical protocols for soft-tissue and spinal-related issues often require a 72-hour window of consistent, pain-free activity before clearing an athlete for high-intensity competition .
By Saturday, Gill will have had nearly four full days of monitored recovery since the Kolkata Test ended on Tuesday. If he can complete a full net session—including facing fast bowlers—and show no recurrence of symptoms, he may be cleared. If not, the team will have no choice but to look elsewhere.
As we detailed in our previous analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:indias-playing-xi-puzzle-without-gill-guwahati-test], the absence of Gill forces a major reshuffle:
The backup plan is ready—but everyone hopes it won’t be needed.
This situation highlights a recurring theme in Indian cricket: the over-reliance on a few key players for both performance and leadership. Gill was seen as the long-term successor to Rohit Sharma in the Test format, and his sudden unavailability exposes a gap in ready-made leadership alternatives .
While Pant is a strong candidate, his own injury comeback journey adds complexity. This series could be a pivotal moment in defining who truly steps up as the next generation of Indian Test leaders.
The answer to “Will Gill play Guwahati Test?” isn’t just about one player—it’s about India’s chances of leveling the series, the stability of their batting order, and the future of their captaincy. Saturday’s decision will send shockwaves through the team, for better or worse. Until then, fans can only wait, hope, and prepare for either scenario.
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