Indian captain Shubman Gill, who was injured in the Kolkata Test, is unlikely to play in the Guwahati Test. He did not even join Team India’s practice session. If Gill does not play in the Guwahati Test, who could be given a chance in his place? Will Sai Sudarshan or Devdutt Padikkal, who are sitting on the bench, get a chance, or will someone else be included in the team as Gill’s replacement? Gautam Gambhir has hinted at playing Sai Sudarshan by making him bat for long periods in the practice sessions. However, famous commentator Harsha Bhogle says that Karun Nair could be his best replacement.

Who can play if Gill remain out of action?

Harsha Bhogle said, “If Shubman Gill is not available, as seems increasingly likely, I think India need a right-handed batsman in the middle order. The next two are Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan, but seven out of nine left-handed batsmen would be too many.”

He said that Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rajat Patidar (if fit) would be on the shortlist. However, for a Test, he would lean towards selecting a quality player like Karun Nair. He added that India won’t play Tests until July/August, so it will depend on two different options.

It’s worth noting that in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, India fielded six left-handed batsmen in the playing eleven. As a result, Simon Harmer decimated the Indian batting. The team failed to achieve the target of 124 runs and was all out for just 93. This is why Harsha is advocating for right-handed batsmen instead of left-handed ones.