India’s preparation for the second Test has taken a big hit because of Shubman Gill’s sudden neck injury. The young captain, who is an important part of India’s batting lineup, had to walk off during the first Test after feeling sharp pain in his neck. He was taken to the hospital for scans and kept under observation.
Even though Gill has been discharged, he is still not sure to play the 2nd Test. The medical team will decide at the very last moment. If he misses the match, India will have a big hole in their batting and the team will have to change their plans for this important game.
Gill’s Injury: What exactly happened?
- Gill complained of sharp pain in his neck while batting in the first Test.
- He was unable to move freely and had to be stretchered off the field.
- Scans showed a neck spasm, not a serious long-term injury, but painful enough to affect movement and batting.
- The BCCI medical team is monitoring him every day.
- Even if he travels with the squad, India might not risk playing him if he isn’t fully comfortable turning his head or reacting quickly to short balls.
This uncertainty has pushed India to seriously consider alternatives for the important No. 4 position.
Why the No. 4 role is so important
The No. 4 spot holds the innings together. It usually belongs to a stable, technically sound batter who can handle pressure if early wickets fall. Gill has been playing this role beautifully in recent Tests.
With him potentially missing, India needs someone who can play long innings, rotate strike, and stay calm against quality bowling.
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The strongest contenders to replace Gill at No. 4
Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan has been consistent across formats and shows a level of maturity that stands out for his age. He rotates the strike well and stays relaxed even in pressure situations, making him a quiet but realistic option if India looks beyond the main names. His consistency keeps him in the discussion. If given a chance, he has the game to surprise everyone.
Devdutt Padikkal
Another exciting possibility is Devdutt Padikkal. The elegant left-hander has been in good touch and could add variety to India’s batting. His style suits longer formats, and he has the talent to play long, confident innings. The only question is whether India wants to hand him a crucial spot in such a high-pressure Test. It would be a bold move but not an impossible one.
Dhruv Jurel
The simplest solution for India is Dhruv Jurel. He is already in the squad, understands the team environment, and has shown calmness under pressure. His temperament suits the position, and he has the technique to play long innings. If India wants a stable option, Jurel is the frontrunner.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
If the team prefers a more experienced domestic batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad becomes a strong contender. Gaikwad is known for his solid technique, balance, and ability to play both swing and spin. Former players have praised his long-format potential, and No. 4 could be the ideal place for him to show it. Even though he hasn’t played many Tests recently, his maturity makes him a serious option.
What Will Decide India’s Final Choice
The final decision depends largely on Gill’s fitness test. If he shows full range of motion and no discomfort, he might still play. If not, India will look at pitch conditions, the balance of the XI, and the need for experience versus fresh energy. With the series tightly contested, the management may avoid big experiments and opt for reliability.
Who Seems Most Likely Right Now?
At this point, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal appear to be the front-runners. Both bring steady form, calmness, and the ability to play long innings, qualities India needs at No. 4 if Shubman Gill is unavailable. Sudharsan offers control and maturity, while Padikkal adds flair and a left-handed angle that can help balance the batting order.
Conclusion
The final decision will be taken just before the 2nd Test begins. Gill’s injury has opened the door for a new hero, and India now waits to see who steps through and becomes the last-minute saviour.
Written by Kinjal Walantra