Predicted India Playing XI: Sai Sudharsan to replace injured Shubman Gill in Guwahati, Axar Patel out?

India might make changes to their XI in Guwahati. One will be forced, while the other one will be tactical.

One of Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal could return to India’s XI after getting in Kolkata. Although Shubman Gill isn’t ruled out of the Guwahati Test, it’s unlikely that he’ll play. Since Sudharsan and Padikkal are the only two backup batters in the squad, it has to be one of them who’ll take the field on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

Jurel to replace Gill at 4

However, neither of them is expected to bat at number four. Earlier today, India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak made it clear that Dhruv Jurel will take over Gill’s spot in Guwahati if he isn’t available. In Gill’s absence, the keeper batter had played at two down in the second innings in Kolkata.

“Gill is definitely recovering really well. Now, the decision will be taken tomorrow evening. Even if he’s fully recovered, we have to ensure he doesn’t spasm in the game again. If he recovers well, he will play. If he feels that he needs time, we have good replacements. If Shubman can’t play, Dhruv Jurel is an option at No. 4. But we have to look at conditions. We have to see if Shubman plays or not,” Kotak told reporters on the eve of the second Test.

Sudharsan back at 3?

Considering Padikkal hasn’t played for India since December 2024, it’s unlikely that he’ll play ahead of Sudharsan. But this poses a question of itself. If Sudharsan comes into the team, will he bat at number three? In the Kolkata Test, Washington Sundar had batted there and proved to be the best batter among both teams. Will he be asked to move down after just one match?

If Sudharsan is told to bat in the middle order, that means Ravindra Jadeja won’t be batting at number six. Also, this would mean Simon Harmer will get to bowl to four left-handed batters in the top six. This doesn’t seem like a good idea since six of Harmer’s eight wickets were of lefties.

Nitish Reddy to combat Harmer threat?

Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t confirmed it, Nitish Kumar Reddy has rejoined the squad. The reason the all-rounder has been called back could be to ensure there’s a balance between righty and lefty batters. Nitish might be told to bat at number six with Axar Patel going out. This would mean three of the top six would be righties.

Washington Sundar, back as all-rounder

Washington might be told to bat at number seven or eight. This isn’t ideal since he played at three in Kolkata. But if Axar goes out, he’ll become India’s third spinner. Remember, he bowled just 1 over at the Eden Gardens. He essentially played as an all-rounder there. He’ll return to being an all-rounder in Guwahati.

Predicted India Playing XI for 2nd South Africa Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

Bench: Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal, Axar Patel, Akash Deep