India Playing 11 vs SA: Gill Injury, Will Sai Sudharsan Get a Chance?

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Gill Injury, Will Sai Sudharsan Get a Chance?: The Indian team suffered a crushing defeat in the first Test against South Africa. During the match, regular captain Shubman Gill retired hurt due to neck stiffness and was hospitalized. He did not bat in the second innings either. Now, there is a strong possibility that he may be rested for the second Test to prevent his neck problem from worsening.

Who will replace Shubman Gill in the 2nd Test against Africa?

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If captain Gill is ruled out of the second Test, the biggest question is who will replace him in the playing 11?

The team management may consider giving Sai Sudharsan a chance in Gill's place. Although he hasn't yet made his mark internationally, he has recently caught everyone's attention with his performances.

Sai Sudharsan International and IPL Record

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Sai Sudharsan made his Test debut for the Indian cricket team in June 2025. Since then, he has played a total of five matches, scoring 273 runs, including two half-centuries. Sai Sudharsan's technique is considered good and he has the ability to play big innings once he settles in.

Sai Sudharsan plays for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, captained by Shubman Gill. Sudharsan performed brilliantly in IPL 2025 and emerged as the team's biggest match-winner. He scored a total of 759 runs in 15 Test matches, including one century and six half-centuries. He shares a good friendship with Gill.

Also Read: AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test Pitch Report, Perth Stadium stats and records

Sai Sudharsan's entry will strengthen batting

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In the first Test against South Africa, the team management relied on all-rounders, which prevented Sai Sudharsan from getting a chance. However, the Indian team's performance was poor, and they were bowled out for just 93 runs. The team's poor batting performance contributed to the team's defeat.

After the batting weaknesses were exposed in the first Test, Sai Sudharsan could be brought in to strengthen the batting attack. It will be interesting to see whether the team management relies on the young Sudharsan.

India Probable Playing 11 for 2nd Test against South Africa

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Lokesh Rahul(WK)
3. Washington Sundar
4. Sai Sudharsan/Shubman Gill
5. Rishabh Pant(WK)
6. Ravindra Jadeja
7. Dhruv Jurel(WK)
8. Axar Patel
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Mohammed Siraj

Also Read: Cricketers Who Scored a Century in Their 100th Test Match