Cricket

Harsha Bhogle reveals Shubman Gill’s replacement for 2nd Test vs SA and it’s not Padikkal or Sudharsan

Harsha Bhogle wants Karun Nair to replace the injured Shubman Gill in the 2nd Test. Bhogle argued that India cannot afford 7 left-handers and needs a right-hander like Nair—a "run-machine in domestic cricket"—to counter Simon Harmer, prioritizing "red-hot form" for the one-off match.

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Renowned Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to reveal his choice for Shubman Gill’s replacement in the second Test against South Africa, scheduled to start on Saturday, November 22, in Guwahati.

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Bhogle asserted that if Gill is unavailable, the Indian selectors should incline towards right-handed batters like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan or Karun Nair to replace the No.4 batter instead of going with left-handers like Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal. Moreover, he added that the in-form Nair would be a perfect replacement option for Gill.

"In case Gill is unavailable, as seems increasingly likely, I think India need a right hander in the middle order. I realise the next two are Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan but 7 left handers in the top 9 would be way too many. A short list would be Gaikwad, Sarfaraz & Patidar (if fit). But my inclination, for a one-off test effectively, would be to pick a player in top form, someone like Karun Nair. India don't play again till July/Aug so this would be horses for courses," Bhogle wrote in a post on X.

https://x.com/bhogleharsha/status/1991010367150104700 

Indian Test captain Gill suffered a neck spasm during the first Test against South Africa while batting on four runs and was eventually taken off the field with the medical staff. Later, he was ruled out of the Test as India suffered a 30-run defeat. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant acted as a stand-in captain in Gill’s absence.

“Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day's play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day,” BCCI stated in its official media release.

“Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly,” the statement concluded.

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