Why Shubman Gill flew to Guwahati despite being injured and missed the 2nd Test vs South Africa

Did Shubman Gill take a huge risk by flying from Kolkata to Guwahati? What was the need to travel if he was never going to play? Was it a late call?




Social media timelines have been buzzing with these questions ever since India Test captain Gill was ruled out of the second Test vs South Africa in Guwahati from November 22. The final call was taken on late Thursday evening when Rishabh Pant was informed about leading the side in the must-win clash and Gill's travel arrangements to Mumbai were finalised.

It wasn't a rushed or a delayed call as the management was happy to play the waiting game and had already chalked out a Plan B for the worst case scenario. The Plan B forced them to summon Nitish Kumar Reddy earlier than scheduled so that ready replacement options are at their discretion.

Were there any red flags on his travel?

After speaking to sources aware of developments, TimesofIndia.com has learnt that there weren't any red flags from the BCCI medical team with regards to his travel and that is why he was cleared to board the chartered flight with the rest of the team on November 19. There was a plan to fly him out on November 20 in case condition wasn't convincing but the team monitoring him felt he was okay to fly as per the original schedule.

What was the point of travelling to Guwahati?

Both in the hospital and after getting discharged, the Indian captain responded well to the treatment and the management felt there was an outside chance. The early finish to the Kolkata Test allowed them more time and that is why no one was in a hurry to rule him out.

Why was Gill ruled out?

The plan for Guwahati was simple. Gill and the management wanted to be absolutely sure and didn't want any complications - neck spasm, stiffness - during the match. Even after a decent recovery, he wasn't close to match fitness and not in a position to bat in the nets. Gill wanted to test himself out for at least an hour in Guwahati and once that was off the table, the tickets to Mumbai were booked.

Why Mumbai?

Shubman Gill didn't feature in the second innings of the first Test against South Africa and won't play the second Test either.

As per the plan, Gill will be resting for a couple of days before meeting specialist Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala in Mumbai. There will be more clarity on the road ahead after his meeting with Pardiwala, who is closely monitoring the Indian captain's case.

Any threat to participation in ODIs vs South Africa?

It is too early to say but he is making a good recovery and will return to the park the moment the BCCI medical team and Dr Pardiwala give him the necessary clearances. There is still over a week - November 30 in Ranchi - to go for the series to begin.


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