NEW DELHI: Star Indian batter Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru due to neck stiffness, is likely to return for the second Test, starting on Thursday.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir provided a positive update during a pre-match press conference, suggesting that the talented opener is in contention for a spot in the playing XI.
India, trailing 1-0 in the series, will hope Gill’s presence bolsters their batting lineup as they aim to level the series.
“Gill was injured in the last game. Due to the injury, he couldn’t play, but he has been in great touch,” Gambhir told reporters on Wednesday. “We will decide tomorrow and whatever team we decide, they’ll go out to win.”
The 25-year-old’s absence was felt in the first Test, where India was bowled out for 46 in the first innings — their third-lowest score in Test history.
Despite a promising second-inning effort, India lost the match by eight wickets. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also indicated that Gill’s fitness has improved.
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“He looks available for the next game,” ten Doeschate said on Tuesday. “There was some discomfort, but he batted for long sessions in the nets at Bengaluru. I think he’ll be fine to play in Pune.”
India captain Rohit Sharma will be eager to have Gill back in the lineup, especially after the struggles with consistency in the top order.
With the second Test set to begin in Pune on Thursday, India will hope that Gill’s potential return can provide the spark they need to bounce back and level the three-match series.
