India lost the first Test against South Africa by 30 runs at Eden Gardens in Guwahati on Sunday, November 16. South Africa's spinner Simon Harmer claimed match figures of 8/51, earning the Player of the Match award for his exceptional performance on a spin-friendly pitch. The Indian batting lineup struggled against his subtle variations throughout the match. Captain Shubman Gill sustained a neck injury after facing just three deliveries in the first innings and could not continue. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant took over leadership duties. With Gill's availability for the second Test starting Saturday, November 22, appearing doubtful, former India captain Anil Kumble suggested Sai Sudharsan as the likely replacement. However, Kumble cautioned that selecting another left-handed batsman like Devdutt Padikkal would make the top order vulnerable to off-spinners like Harmer. This was India's third defeat in the current World Test Championship edition.
Kumble Backs Sudharsan as Gill's Replacement
Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble believes Sai Sudharsan should be the preferred choice to replace the injured Shubman Gill if the captain remains unavailable. While Devdutt Padikkal is also in the squad, Kumble warned that his inclusion would create a completely left-handed top order, making India vulnerable to off-spinner Simon Harmer. Kumble expects India to maintain their combination of two pacers and four spinners unless the Barsapara Cricket Stadium pitch offers significantly different conditions. He emphasized that India should stick with a similar lineup from the first Test, with Sudharsan being the only change if Gill cannot recover in time for the second match.
Source: Link