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.
Published : Oct 17, 2024 08:48 IST , Chennai - 1 MIN READ
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.