IND vs SA: As the Indian team winds up for the 2nd Test in Guwahati after a disappointing loss in Kolkata, some notable changes have been made before the match. Indian skipper Shubman Gill is doubtful for the 2nd Test as he is dealing with a neck sprain sustained from the last match, forcing India to rethink their top order plans.
Axar Patel is expected to be dropped, while Nitish Reddy could also provide more support to the team. Given the points on offer for the World Test Championship, India would be eager to make smart adjustments as they look to level the series.
Who Will Replace Indian Skipper Shubman Gill?
The most significant worry in India now is regarding the injury of skipper Shubman Gill, who currently seems to be out from the Guwahati Test after visiting a hospital in Kolkata. Sai Sudharsan is the probable new replacement, with Gill’s availability still uncertain. His Test record is not very impressive as he has 273 runs per 9 innings at an average of 30.33, including two half-centuries, but he has a safe game and can reasonably tackle spin, which may help trying to tackle Simon Harmer. Sudharsan is expected to be at No. 3, and Rishabh Pant will be the skipper in the absence of the current captain Gill.
Will Axar Patel Play In the 2nd Test?
The Indian all-rounder’s spot in the second Test is in serious doubt, as Head Coach Gautam Gambhir may want to add more balance and variety to the playing 11. In Kolkata, the southpaw ratio that enabled Simon Harmer to be in a position to attack was too high, and Gambhir may counter this by introducing a right-handed batter, Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Moreover, Axar has not been in favourable shape since he only managed to deliver 20 overs on a pitch that offered support to spin and also scored a total of 52 runs that came with a poor shot during the second innings. Thus, Reddy is a practical option in the Test match in Guwahati.
Indian Probable Playing XI For The 2nd Test
KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant (c, wk), Nitish Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
