India vs South Africa: Shubman Gill officially out of Guwahati Test; India's replacement plans have one BIG problem

Shubman Gill has officially been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa, starting in Guwahati from November 22 onwards. According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Gill's neck spasm is still serious and he has been advised not to take the flight to Guwahati.

“He (Gill) has acute neck pain, and we’re not allowed to further go into details about the injury. He has to keep continuing wearing the neck collar," said a source to PTI.

A video of Gill getting out from the airport after the Kolkata Test match had shown the seriousness of his condition. The 26-year-old was in a neck brace, visibly in discomfort as he struggled to walk out of the airport. It was certain then itself that the India captain would most probably sit out of the second Test match and now, it is certain.

In Gill's absence, India have two replacements in the squad, ready to get back into the XI. One is Sai Sudharsan, who is prime contender to slot back into the XI, given that he played both games in the West Indies series. The other option that India have is Devdutt Padikkal who has been doing well in domestic cricket for a while now. The Karnataka man has also done well in his brief India Test career too.

The problem, however, is that both Sudharsan and Padikkal are left-handers. India's biggest threat at the Eden Gardens was Simon Harmer who was literally unplayable on the explosive surface that had turn and uneven bounce. Ideally, India would want a right-hander to replace Gill to neutralise the overdose of left-handers in the playing XI.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was released from the squad for the first Test match, is set to rejoin the squad for this Test match. Logically, he wouldn't be part of the playing XI but his right-hand option and all-round credentials might tempt head coach Gautam Gambhir to put him in. After all, this team management has been a firm believer in all-rounders even in Test cricket.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan are two options to pick from, if India want to add a realistic starter to their squad. Whether they go down that route, remains to be seen. As of now, India have a big selection headache regarding Gill's replacement. It would also depend on the kind of pitch that is in store at Guwahati. Will India opt for another landmine spin track? Your guess is as good as ours.