India is suddenly unsure if Shubman Gill can play the second Test against South Africa, and that doubt is changing the whole plan for Guwahati. His neck injury from the first Test still troubles him, and doctors are not happy about him travelling. India is now preparing backup options because the match is close and the team can’t wait too long. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal trained hard at Eden Gardens, and both look ready if Gill stays out.

How Gill’s Injury Became A Major Issue Before The Match

Gill hurt his neck in the first Test, and the pain slowed him down more than expected. The team has not ruled him out, but things feel unsure every hour. The travel advice from doctors made things more complicated because the team flies soon. BCCI medical staff will take the final call, and they may pick long-term health over one match. Gill has improved a bit, but not enough for a clear answer, and that pushes the team to keep a second plan open.

Why Sudharsan And Padikkal Are Suddenly Important Names

The Indian team trained at Eden Gardens with only six players, but Sudharsan and Padikkal stood out. Both are left-handed and both looked calm during optional practice. If Gill misses out, one of them will likely walk straight into the top order. India has not added new names to the squad, but Nitish Kumar Reddy returned early from India A duty. His return created quiet talk inside the team because he brings right-handed batting, something India might need after using too many left-handers in the last Test.

How India May Change Its Plan After Harmer’s Success

South Africa’s spinner Simon Harmer troubled India’s left-handers badly in the first Test. India used six lefties, and it didn’t work well. So now the team wonders if adding another left-hander is the best idea. Sudharsan and Padikkal are ready, but Reddy’s right-hand batting brings a different balance. The pitch in Guwahati could push the final decision too, because Barsapara Stadium behaves differently and sometimes asks for more pace and fewer specialist spinners.

Why The Bowling And All-Round Roles Matter Even More Now

The team is also thinking about bowling balance. Washington Sundar trained long hours and looked like he may get a bigger role, maybe batting at number 3 and bowling more overs if needed. His off-spin becomes important if India decides to drop a spinner for Reddy. Kuldeep Yadav bowled well in the last Test, but Axar Patel’s all-round skill gives him an edge in team combinations. One of them might sit out depending on how dry the pitch feels closer to the toss.

Akash Deep’s Hard Training And India’s Batting Adjustments

Akash Deep was the only pacer in the recent practice, and he bowled with real effort because the team expects a different surface in Guwahati. He pushed the batters hard, maybe to prepare them for movement under lights. The Indian batters also worked on reverse sweeps, something South Africa used smartly in the first match. It shows India is trying to respond quickly, fixing small things before they become bigger problems in a long series.

What India Must Decide Before The Match Starts

Everything now depends on Gill. If he travels, selection becomes lighter, but still not certain. If he stays back, the team must choose between left-hand safety or right-hand balance. The pitch, the injury call, the match pressure, all mix into one tight decision. India needs a settled lineup fast, because the second Test feels like a must-correct game after the first one slipped away.