Ind vs SA 2nd Test: Former India great bats for this player as India reel from Eden defeat

India’s alarming decline in home Test dominance resurfaced once again with their defeat to South Africa in the opening Test at Eden Gardens. From a 3–0 whitewash in New Zealand to repeated struggles on rank turners, India’s batting frailties have been brutally exposed. The collapse while chasing just 124 runs on Day 3 raised serious concerns about technique, temperament and preparation on spin-friendly tracks.

As India attempt to regroup for the second Test in Guwahati, a fresh challenge has emerged, which is Shubman Gill’s injury.

Kumble Names Sai Sudharsan as First Choice Replacement

Former India captain and legendary spinner Anil Kumble has weighed in on the big selection call. With Gill sustaining a neck injury during the first innings at Eden Gardens and subsequently ruled out of the Test, Kumble believes Sai Sudharsan should be the frontrunner to replace him.

“India will certainly hope Gill is fit for the next Test. If he isn’t, Sai Sudharsan will likely come back in,” Kumble told Star Sports. He added that India should retain their six-bowler combination, two pacers and four spinners unless conditions dramatically change.

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Padikkal an Option, But a Risky One

Kumble acknowledged that Devdutt Padikkal is also part of the squad, but cautioned that playing him would make India’s entire top order left-handed, a scenario tailor-made for spinner Simon Harmer, who tormented India with eight wickets in Kolkata.

Only Pitch Can Change India’s Bowling Mix

Kumble insisted India are unlikely to field a third seamer unless the Barsapara Stadium pitch offers substantial grass and movement. The core XI, he said, should remain largely unchanged.

India Look to Bounce Back

Following their defeat, India have slipped to fourth in the World Test Championship 2025–27 table. The Guwahati Test now becomes crucial as Rohit Sharma’s men look to level the series and avoid a damaging home defeat.