New Delhi, Nov. 19 -- Shubman Gill, India's Test captain has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa scheduled in Guwahati on Saturday. The 26-year-old's absence due to a nagging neck injury has paved the way for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to take the helm, marking a pivotal leadership shift in this high-stakes series. As India trails 0-1 after a heartbreaking 30-run loss in the opener at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, the team will aim for a strong bounce back. Notably, Sai Sudharsan is expected to come in the playing XI.

Shubman Gill sustained a neck injury during the first Test's second day in Kolkata. While batting in India's first innings, the right-hander attempted a sweep shot that triggered severe neck spasms, forci...