Guwahati: Ahead of the crucial second Test against South Africa, captain Shubman Gill has been officially ruled out of the match due to a neck injury sustained in the series opener. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will step up to lead the side in Gill's absence, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday.

The second and final Test, where India must win to level the series after their defeat in Kolkata, begins Saturday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Shubman Gill injury update:

Gill suffered a neck spasm while batting in the first innings of the opening Test in Kolkata. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for examination and kept under observation before being discharged the following day.

In a statement, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia c

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