IND vs SA 2nd Test: Concerns Over Shubman Gill’s Injury, Sarfaraz, Karun, and Iyer Overlooked, Gambhir-Agarakar Reject Suggestions

---

Kolkata, India: Following India’s humiliating defeat against South Africa in the Kolkata Test, the Indian cricket team faces a major challenge in selecting the right playing XI for the second Test in Guwahati. The injury to star batsman Shubman Gill has further complicated the selection process, raising questions about team strategy and management decisions.

Gill’s Injury and Team Dilemma

Shubman Gill, who missed both innings in Kolkata due to injury, was ruled out ahead of the Guwahati Test. The team management now had to decide on a replacement in a lineup already heavy on left-handed batsmen. Reports suggest that a senior former cricketer recommended including a form-ready right-handed batsman from domestic cricket. Names suggested were Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair, and Abhimanyu Easwaran. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar reportedly chose to stick with an unfit Gill, ignoring external advice.

Left-Right Handed Batting Challenge

The Kolkata Test saw six left-handed batsmen in the playing XI, giving South Africa’s spinners, especially Simon Harmer, a strategic advantage. Even part-time spinner Adam Markram managed to take wickets due to this imbalance. With Gill out, Gambhir and captain Rishabh Pant faced a dilemma: how to balance the team with the right-handed and left-handed batsmen.

Two primary options emerged:

1. Include Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal, but both are left-handed, which could further favor South African spinners.
2. Promote Nitish Kumar Reddy in the lower order and keep Washington Sundar at No.3, though this arrangement had already faced criticism.

Why Sarfaraz, Karun, or Easwaran Could Have Helped

According to PTI reports, Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair, and Abhimanyu Easwaran were suggested as right-handed alternatives. Gambhir and Agarkar reportedly rejected them, fearing it would signal a lack of confidence in current squad members under pressure.

Among these, Karun Nair was in good form, having scored consistently in domestic matches, including three Ranji games with scores of 73, 8, 174*, 233, 4, and 15. Despite this, the team management decided against giving him an opportunity, maintaining faith in the existing squad.