Indian cricket team opener Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test against New Zealand due to a stiff neck, is making significant progress in his recovery and could be available for the second Test in Pune starting on Thursday.
Gill was spotted at the ground on Day 5 of the first Test in Bengaluru, facing throwdowns and having a prolonged net batting session. He faced fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Mayank Yadav, both traveling reserves for the Indian team, as well as Akash Deep.
Gill’s return would be a major boost for India, who lost the first Test by eight wickets. The 23-year-old has been in impressive form in recent months, scoring a century in the third Test against Australia in March and a half-century in the first ODI against New Zealand in August.
If Gill is fit to play, he is likely to replace Abhimanyu Easwaran, who made his Test debut in the first Test but failed to impress. Gill’s inclusion would provide India with a more experienced and reliable opening partner for Rohit Sharma.
New Zealand’s victory in the first Test was their first in India in 36 years. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra put on an unbroken 75-run partnership to guide the visitors to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
India will be looking to level the series in the second Test, which begins on Thursday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
