It looks like either Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal might make their way back into India’s playing XI after arriving in Kolkata. While Shubman Gill hasn’t been officially ruled out for the Guwahati Test, it seems pretty unlikely that he’ll be on the field. Since Sudharsan and Padikkal are the only backup batters in the squad, one of them will likely step in on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. That said, it’s not expected that either of them will bat at number four. Earlier today, India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that if Gill isn’t available, Dhruv Jurel will take his place in Guwahati. In Gill’s absence, Jurel had batted at number two in the second innings in Kolkata. Sudharsan returning at No. 3? Given that Padikkal hasn’t played for India since December 2024, it’s hard to see him getting the nod over Sudharsan. But this raises an interesting question: if Sudharsan joins the team, will he bat at number three? In the Kolkata Test, Washington Sundar batted there and was the standout performer among both teams. Would they really ask him to drop down the order after just one match? Also Read | First Look at Guwahati Pitch Ahead of India vs South Africa 2nd Test If Sudharsan is slotted into the middle order, that means Ravindra Jadeja won’t be batting at number six. Plus, this would allow Simon Harmer to bowl to four left-handed batters in the top six, which doesn’t seem like a great strategy since six of Harmer’s eight wickets have come from lefties. Although the BCCI hasn’t made an official announcement, it seems Nitish Kumar Reddy has rejoined the squad. The reason for bringing back the all-rounder could be to maintain a balance between right-handed and left-handed batters. Nitish might be positioned at number six, with Axar Patel making way. This would mean three of the top six would be right-handers. Washington could be asked to bat at number seven or eight, which isn’t ideal since he played at three in Kolkata. However, if Axar is out, he’ll step up as India’s third spinner. Keep in mind, he only bowled one over at Eden Gardens, essentially playing as an all-rounder there. He’ll likely revert to that role in Guwahati.