IND vs SA 2025: Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal? Former India captain makes his pick for Guwahati Test

India suffered their third defeat in the ongoing edition of the World Test Championship (WTC), losing to defending champions South Africa on Sunday, November 16, by 30 runs in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Guwahati.

On a spin-friendly track, the Indian batters struggled to deal with the conditions as Simon Harmer, who bamboozled them with his subtle variations, finished with match figures of 8/51. The 36-year-old won the Player of the Match award for his remarkable bowling performance.

India suffered a major setback as captain Shubman Gill had to leave the field with a neck injury after facing just three balls in the first innings. He could play no further part in the Test match, as vice-captain Rishabh Pant took charge. It seems highly unlikely that Gill would be fit ahead of the second Test, which commences on Saturday, November 22.

Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble said that if Gill is ruled out, Sai Sudharsan would be the frontrunner to replace him in the playing XI, although Devdutt Padikkal is also part of the squad. However, the cricketer-turned-commentator warned that adding another left-hander to the line-up would bring off-spinner Harmer further into play.

“India will certainly be hoping that Shubman Gill is fit for the next Test. If he isn’t, Sai Sudharsan will likely come back in. If India continues with six bowlers - two pacers and four spinners - then the rest of the team should remain the same. That might be the only change,” Kumble told Star Sports.

“If India chooses not to go with that combination, the other batting option is Devdutt Padikkal. However, bringing him in would make the entire top order left-handed, which could invite someone like Simon Harmer to come in and bowl all day,” Kumble said.

India should stick with a similar lineup: Kumble

India played the first Test with two pacers, one specialist spinner, and three spin-bowling all-rounders. Kumble feels that India won't go in with three seamers unless the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati offers a green top in the second Test.

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“I don’t think India will play three seamers unless the pitch is a green top. We don’t know that yet. But overall, India should stick with a similar lineup — with the only possible change being Gill, if he’s fit. If he isn’t, Sai Sudharsan comes in,” Kumble added.