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Why Shubman Gill Flew to Guwahati Despite Injury?

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Why Gill flew to Guwahati despite being injured for 2nd Test vs South Africa?

Why Shubman Gill Flew to Guwahati Despite Injury: The Inside Story

In a move that puzzled fans and commentators alike, star batter Shubman Gill flew to Guwahati ahead of the second Test against South Africa—even though he was nursing a significant injury that had kept him out of action for days. The decision wasn’t reckless; it was a high-stakes gamble by the BCCI medical and coaching staff, hoping for a miracle recovery just hours before the toss .

Despite daily monitoring and cautious optimism, the final fitness test on match morning confirmed what many feared: Gill simply wasn’t match-fit. He was officially ruled out, and by evening, he was on a flight to Mumbai to consult a specialist for a thorough assessment .

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The Injury and Initial Assessment

Shubman Gill sustained a lower-back strain during training ahead of the first Test in Visakhapatnam. While not deemed serious initially, the discomfort persisted through the week. The BCCI medical team, led by Dr. Rajesh Shah, conducted MRI scans and mobility assessments in Bengaluru before the squad’s departure for Guwahati .

Crucially, there were “no red flags” in the diagnostics—no ligament tear, fracture, or disc issue. But back spasms, especially in fast-bowling heavy conditions like Guwahati’s humid pitch, can severely limit a batter’s ability to twist, duck, or play short balls—making match fitness a major concern .

Shubman Gill Flew to Guwahati: A Calculated Risk

So why did Shubman Gill flew to Guwahati if he was unlikely to play? Three key reasons:

  • Last-Minute Recovery Hope: Back spasms can sometimes ease dramatically with rest, physio, and anti-inflammatories. The team held out hope that 48 hours in Guwahati’s recovery setup could do the trick.
  • Having Gill in the camp—even as a non-playing member—boosts team chemistry and allows him to stay engaged with strategy sessions.
  • If India lost early wickets on Day 1, a “miracle clearance” could’ve seen him bat at No. 7 as a pinch-hitter, though this was always a long shot.

This approach aligns with modern sports medicine protocols, where “wait-and-see” decisions are common for non-structural injuries .

BCCI Medical Team’s Final Call

On the morning of the Test (November 21, 2025), Gill underwent a final fitness drill: simulated batting against throwdowns, fielding sprints, and short-ball reaction tests. He managed the batting component but showed clear discomfort during lateral movements and bending—key for close-in fielding and evading bouncers .

With player safety prioritized—especially post the Jasprit Bumrah workload controversies—the medical team unanimously advised against selection. Within hours, Gill was escorted to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport and flown to Mumbai for consultation with Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the BCCI’s go-to orthopedic specialist for elite athletes .

Impact on India’s Batting Order

Gill’s absence forced India to rejig their top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal opened alongside Rohit Sharma, while Shreyas Iyer was promoted to No. 3—a role he’s relished in recent home Tests. Abhimanyu Easwaran, on standby, was added to the squad as cover .

While not ideal, the depth in India’s batting lineup softened the blow. Still, losing a player of Gill’s caliber—especially one coming off a double-century in the Duleep Trophy—is a setback in a high-stakes series against a resurgent South Africa.

What Happens Next for Gill?

All eyes are now on Gill’s recovery timeline. If it’s a mild strain, he could return for the third Test in Cape Town (starting December 26). But if the Mumbai evaluation reveals deeper issues, he may be rested for the remainder of the tour to avoid long-term damage.

Fans can track his status via our updated India vs South Africa 2025 squad tracker. For context, the ICC’s 2024 guidelines on player workload management emphasize caution with back injuries—supporting the BCCI’s conservative stance .

Conclusion

The saga of Shubman Gill flew to Guwahati is a textbook example of modern cricket’s delicate balance between ambition and caution. The BCCI didn’t take unnecessary risks; they gave every possible chance for recovery, then acted decisively to protect their star asset. While his absence is felt on the field, this measured approach could pay dividends in preserving Gill’s long-term career—and India’s hopes for the World Test Championship final.

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