Indian Test captain Shubman Gill has been a major miss in the first of the two-match Test series against South Africa, at Eden Gardens. As per reports, he was already suffering from back spasms and the lack of specialist doctors on time made India play Gill. His spasms worsened when he tried to sweep the ball. He was later admitted to the Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata, to the Intensive Care Unit. However, he was released last day, that is Sunday, was at the hotel under BCCI's observation. Shubman could not come to play the entire match, which became a defining factor as India ran a deficit of 30 runs, ultimately losing the game against South Africa. Watch Gill walking out of Woodlands: This video's for those who were saying Shubman Gill should have come to bat. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/SDn7JZ2mWa — GillTheWill (@GillTheWill77) November 17, 2025 Will Shubman Gill play the second Test at Guwahati? Uncertainty looms regarding Shubman Gill's availability for the second Test scheduled at Guwahati starting on November 22. As per reports from ESPNCricinfo, the team is likely to leave for Assam on Wednesday. However, flights normally don't permit people with neck issues to board a plane. In such a case, he will have to fly alone. Not only that, India will be having a practice session here in Kolkata on Tuesday, where Shubman is unlikely to participate. As per reports, Gill can move his hands and can even walk, but he will be staying back at ITC Sonar, the current residence for the Indian team, under BCCI's medical team's observation. Read also: India Slip in WTC Table After Eden Gardens Defeat to South Africa We were one down: Gambhir reasoned Gill's absence for India's defeat India was defeated by 30 runs, and hopes were almost shattered after Axar Patel edged the ball to Jansen at backward point. The crowd was shouting on top for Gill, but Siraj came out with the bat. India was bundled out for 93 runs on a pitch asked for by themselves. Even though all the men were out on the turf while chasing just 163 runs, the Indian head coach still felt that it was Shubman Gill who was missing and that the Indians were one down and needed to be excused. Speaking after the match, Gambhir clarified that Gilll is "being assessed" by the BCCI medical team, and added, “It was tough because we always knew we were one down. Obviously, Shubman wasn’t there, and then losing two before lunch, we were literally three down. But we always felt that if we got those partnerships, a 50-run partnership or two 40-run partnerships, we would’ve been in the game.” Who can replace Shubman Gill? Washington Sundar who normally comes down the order, was promoted to the top order. What looked like a night watchman in the first innings became thenew normal in the second innings. Even though he did not disappoint, India might look for other options. India have both Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Paddikal in their bank and might use it if Gill becomes unavailable for the second Test. Sudharsan shone with knocks of 87 and 39 against the West Indies in Delhi but could not carry that form on the India A tour, where he managed a top score of 32 in four innings against South Africa A. Padikkal, who has played a Test each in the BGT and the home series versus England, also struggled on the tour, finishing with three single-digit scores and a 24. If India opt for stability, their XI may again feature seven left-handers. The Kolkata Test had already set a record with six southpaws, and South Africa’s Simon Harmer exploited that angle, claiming six of his eight wickets against them. Even part-time offspinner Aiden Markram picked up a left-hander, highlighting India’s vulnerability.