Following a neck injury to Shubman Gill, the Indian cricket team is set to reshuffle its batting order for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. The extent of Gill's injury has ruled him out of the remainder of the series, prompting the team management to rethink their lineup structure.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated a significant reshuffle, confirming that the players have been informed of the new roles for the second match. Washington Sundar, who was promoted to No. 3 in the first Test, is likely to move down to No. 8, a position where his batting control and off-spin are valued.

With Gill unavailable, the No. 3 and No. 4 slots are expected to be filled by specialist batters. Sai Sudharsan, who replaced Gill in the Test, is likely to return to his original spot at No. 3. Dhruv Jurel, who batted at No. 4 in the second innings of the previous Test, may continue in that position to maintain a right-left batting combination.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had earlier revealed that the team had a No. 4 ready to step in for the Guwahati Test. He mentioned Jurel as an option but stated that a final decision would be made after assessing Gill's fitness and the pitch conditions. Stand-in captain Rishabh Pant acknowledged Gill's efforts to be fit but confirmed that the injury couldn't be helped. He also mentioned that the team has considered all options and communicated the decision to the player who will play.

The reshuffle also brings into focus the No. 3 position, with discussions around Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan. If Sudharsan makes his debut, he is expected to bat at No. 3. However, if the team prefers three all-rounders, Nair might take up the spot, potentially including Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur in the lower order.

Earlier in the year, there were speculations about Gill taking Virat Kohli's spot at No. 4 after Kohli's retirement. Rishabh Pant had confirmed that Gill would bat at No. 4 in the Test series against England, with Pant himself continuing at No. 5. Pant emphasized his camaraderie with Gill, believing their off-field friendship would translate to on-field success. Gill has previously batted at No. 3 in 17 matches, scoring 1,109 runs at an average of 37.74, including three centuries and as many fifties, all at home.

With India aiming to level the series against South Africa, the revised batting order will be crucial. The team is focused on finding the right combination to ensure a strong performance in the second Test.