India vs South Africa 2nd Test: Gill Out, Pant Captain, and Guwahati Braces for a Decider

India’s second Test against South Africa begins in Guwahati on November 22, with Shubman Gill ruled out and Rishabh Pant leading the side. India trail 0-1 after their 30-run defeat at Eden Gardens, and they must win to level the series.

The first Test was a disaster for India. Chasing 124 at Eden Gardens, they collapsed to 93 and lost by 30 runs. It was their first Test defeat in Kolkata in 13 years . And it came without their captain.

Gill injured his neck on Day 2 while batting. He slog-swept Simon Harmer for four, immediately clutched the back of his neck, and retired hurt after just three deliveries. He was taken to hospital wearing a cervical collar and did not take any further part in the match .

He has not recovered in time for Guwahati. Pant, the vice-captain, will lead India in his first Test as captain .

The Guwahati Pitch Dilemma

Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium is hosting its first-ever Test match. Neither side knows exactly how the pitch will behave .

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said: “This wicket looks a lot fresher and will be more consistent in terms of variability compared to Kolkata. This is a typical sub-continental wicket with the first two days good for batting before spinners come into play” .

Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes India still have an edge despite the unfamiliar venue. “We are still playing in India. We grew up playing on these kinds of surfaces. We would like to believe and back ourselves to know or adapt to the conditions a lot faster” .

My Take: This Is Pant’s Biggest Test as Captain

Everyone will focus on Gill’s absence. They will talk about the injury, the hospital visit, the risk of aggravating it.

But the real story is Pant.

He has captained India before, but never in a Test of this magnitude. India are 0-1 down. A loss in Guwahati means a series defeat at home. A win means a decider in the two-match series.

Pant’s captaincy in Kolkata was criticised. He began Day 3 with spin, allowing Bavuma and Corbin Bosch to extend South Africa’s lead beyond 100. India never recovered . He acknowledged the criticism: “There was a lot of discussion as a team. We felt going with a spinner was the right thought process at that time. But that’s the challenge of captaincy. You will be questioned, but eventually you do what you believe is right in that moment and back your bowler” .

Guwahati is his chance to prove he can learn from that mistake.

What Happens Next

The second Test begins on November 22. India must win to keep the series alive. South Africa, without the injured Kagiso Rabada, will be aiming to seal a rare series win on Indian soil .

For Gill, the wait continues. For Pant, the test begins.

FAQs

Why is Shubman Gill not playing the second Test?
Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata while batting. He was hospitalized and has not recovered in time for Guwahati .

Who is captaining India in Guwahati?
Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain, is leading the side in Gill’s absence .

Where is the second Test being played?
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. It is hosting its first-ever Test match .

What happened in the first Test?
India lost by 30 runs at Eden Gardens, collapsing to 93 while chasing 124. South Africa lead the series 1-0 .

Data from:

• ANI News. (2026, October 27). Gill ruled out of second Test, Pant to captain. https://aninews.in/topic/rishabh-pant-shubman-gill/

• News Point. (2026, October). Shubman Gill admitted to hospital over neck injury. https://www.newspointapp.com/english/sports/ind-vs-sa-shubman-gill-admitted-to-hospital-over-neck-injury-ruled-out-of-first-test-ptcnews_english/articleshow/145048205d719ca90044d3ac19de831411b15f39

• Apex Football. (2026, November 21). Pant ready to captain India in Guwahati Test. https://lite.apex-football.com/en/news/33455ef6251121en_gb

• Apex Football. (2026, November 21). Rabada ruled out of Guwahati Test. https://lite.apex-football.com/en/news/5c217096251121en_gb