IND vs NZ 1st Test: Why is Shubman Gill not playing for India in first test against New Zealand?

Sarfaraz Khan replaced Gill in the playing XI.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill during a training session, ahead of the first test match between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K/The Hindu

Shubman Gill won’t be taking part in the first Test between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Gill reportedly complained about a stiff neck before the opening Test. He was not seen warming up on Thursday (Day 2).

Although captain Rohit Sharma didn’t mention why exactly has Gill missed out, he said: “Gill misses out, he’s not 100 per cent.”

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Sarfaraz Khan replaced Gill in the playing XI. Sarfaraz made his Test debut earlier in the year against England and hasn’t played since.

The 26-year-old returns to international cricket after scoring a double century for Mumbai in the Irani Cup 2024-25.

India made one more change, bringing in Kuldeep Yadav in place for Akash Deep.

The opening Test of the three-match series between the two teams had a delayed start with the first Day washed out due to rain. There’s a rain forecast in Bengaluru throughout the week.