Anil Kumble reveals Shubman Gill’s replacement for the second Test vs SA

Former Indian spinner and commentator Anil Kumble has disclosed his pick for Shubman Gill’s replacement for the second and final Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, scheduled to start on Saturday, November 22.

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Notably, India suffered a 30-run defeat in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Indian Test captain, Shubman Gill, who was ruled out of the first Test mid-way due to a neck spasm, is doubtful for the second Test. 

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports, Kumble asserted that the Indian think tank team would go with Sai Sudharsan as a like-for-like replacement for Gill in the second Test. However, India would offer a big threat if they go ahead with Southpaw Devdutt Padikkal, keeping Simon Harmer in mind.

“India will certainly be hoping that Shubman Gill is fit for the next Test. If he isn’t, Sai Sudharsan will likely come back in. If India continues with six bowlers - two pacers and four spinners - then the rest of the team should remain the same. That might be the only change,” Kumble told Star Sports.

“If India chooses not to go with that combination, the other batting option is Devdutt Padikkal. However, bringing him in would make the entire top order left-handed, which could invite someone like Simon Harmer to come in and bowl all day,” Kumble said.

Furthermore, the former spinner also felt that India should go ahead with only two seamers unless the pitch offers a green top in Guwahati, adding that Team India should stick with a similar line-up with Sudharsan coming in for Gill.

“I don’t think India will play three seamers unless the pitch is a green top. We don’t know that yet. But overall, India should stick with a similar lineup, with the only possible change being Gill, if he’s fit. If he isn’t, Sai Sudharsan comes in,” Kumble reckoned.

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India will lock horns with South Africa in the second and final Test from Saturday, November 22, in Guwahati.

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