Shubman Gill faces Fitness Test ahead of 2nd Test after Neck Spasm: Kotak provides update

India captain Shubman Gill, who has not trained due to a neck spasm sustained during the first Test against South Africa, will undergo a fitness test on Friday in a last-ditch attempt to be available for the second game, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has indicated.

Gill developed the spasm on the second day of the opening Test and hasn’t returned to the nets since. While his chances remain slim, the BCCI sports science team is waiting as long as possible before taking a final call. The second and final Test begins on Saturday.

“See, he is definitely recovering really well, because I also met him yesterday,” Kotak said ahead of a practice session that Gill skipped.

“Now, the decision will be taken tomorrow evening, because the physios and doctors have to decide whether, even if he is fully recovered, there’s a chance of the spasm recurring during the match. That is very important.”

“If there is a doubt, then I am sure he will rest for one more game because it won’t help the team otherwise. A player like Shubman, and he’s the captain so any team would miss him,” Kotak added.

While acknowledging the impact of Gill’s absence, Kotak expressed confidence in the bench strength.

“But if he is missing out because of injury, we have batters and plenty of good players. They are professionals; they should come and perform for the team,” Kotak said.

“We all wish he plays, but if he doesn’t, we will definitely have a good replacement and maybe the guy coming in will score a hundred.”

( With PTI Inputs )