Guwahati, 21 November (Udaipur Kiran). India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa due to a neck injury. In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will lead the team in the match starting Saturday.

Gill suffered the injury during the first Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. After hitting a boundary early in his innings, he experienced discomfort in his neck and retired hurt. He did not return to bat later in the match.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Friday through social media, stating that Pant would take charge of the side for the second Test in Guwahati.

At the pre-match press conference, Pant said that Gill was eager to play but the team management decided it was best for him to rest and recover. “We have already finalised who will come in as his replacement, and that player is aware,” he said.

Reports suggest that Gill may head to Mumbai for specialist consultation and recovery, which could also rule him out of the upcoming ODI series against South Africa starting November 30.

In the opening Test, South Africa were bowled out for 159 in the first innings, but India could only manage a 30-run lead after scoring 189. Chasing 124 in the fourth innings, India collapsed for just 93, handing the visitors a 30-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

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