The buzz around Indian cricket this week isn’t about centuries or wickets – it’s about a sudden injury to one of the team’s brightest stars, Shubman Gill. As the second Test against South Africa looms at the brand‑new Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, the Indian team management has a critical decision to make: who will fill the No. 4 slot if Gill can’t travel?
In this SEO‑friendly blog, I’ll walk you through the situation, why the No. 4 position matters, and which players are most likely to step up. If you’re a cricket fan, a sports‑news site owner, or just curious about India’s lineup, keep reading – the answer could shape the outcome of the series.
1. The Context – Guwahati’s First Ever Test
Barsapara Stadium is set to host its first international Test on 20 Nov 2025. The venue is already making headlines for a historic touch: tea will be served before lunch, a first in Test cricket.
The match isn’t just a novelty; it’s a make‑or‑break game for India. After a dominant 2‑0 win in Kolkata, the series is tied 1‑1. South Africa are hunting their second Test series win on Indian soil, a rarity for any touring side. A win in Guwahati would give India the edge, while a loss would hand the Proteas a historic series victory.
2. Shubman Gill’s Neck Injury – What We Know
- When it happened: Day 2 of the Kolkata Test, after scoring 4 from 3 balls.
- Medical update: Gill was taken to hospital, diagnosed with an acute neck spasm, and is now wearing a neck collar.
- Recovery plan: Doctors have prescribed 3‑4 days of rest and advise against flying. A final decision is expected on Tuesday.
If the injury persists, Gill will miss the Guwahati Test. This would be his second neck‑related fallout this season (the first was a spasm in October 2023 that cost him a Test against New Zealand).
Key phrase: Shubman Gill injury – this is the primary SEO keyword you’ll see throughout the article.
3. Why No. 4 Is Crucial in a Test Match
The No. 4 slot in Test cricket is often a stability anchor. It bridges the gap between the top order and the middle‑order finishers. In the Kolkata finale, India had to shuffle right‑handed Dhruv Jurel into the No. 4 spot to survive the chase. While Jurel managed the role, he isn’t a specialist middle‑order batsman.
A proper No. 4 should:
- Weather early wickets – especially if the opening pair falters.
- Negotiate the swing and seam of the new ball.
- Build partnerships with both the top and lower order.
With South Africa’s pace attack (Harmer, de Kock, and the swing‑heavy duo) ready to pounce, the right No. 4 could be the difference between a run‑a‑ball draw and a crushing defeat.
SEO tip: Include “No. 4 role in Test cricket” as an LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keyword.
4. The Bench Strength – Who Can Fill the Gap?
Below is a quick snapshot of the most discussed candidates, their recent form, and whether they suit the No. 4 role.
| Player | Handedness | Recent Form (First‑Class / List‑A) | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Right | 2 centuries, 2 fifties in last 8 FC innings; 117 & 68* in recent List‑A | In‑form, strong technique, right‑hand balance | Usually an opener |
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | Right | 0, 71*, 20, 25, 0, 0 (FC) | Test‑squad experience, solid against pace | Inconsistent recent scores |
| B Sai Sudharsan | Left | 87 (Delhi Test), modest A‑series (32,12,17,23) | Comfortable against spin, technical | Inconsistent in A‑series |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Left | 6,5,5,24 (A‑series); 96 (Ranji), 150 (A‑vs A) | Aggressive, proven run‑maker at domestic level | Limited Test exposure |
| Dhruv Jurel | Right | Regular in India A; solid limited‑overs form | Versatile, already did No. 4 in Kolkata | Not a specialist middle‑order bat |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | Right | Good all‑round performances in recent List‑A | Adds a bowling option | Batting not yet world‑class for No. 4 |
| Karun Nair | Left | 73, 8, 174*, 233, 4, 15 (FC) | Experience, big‑innings temperament | Long out of Test side |
| Rajat Patidar | Right | Injured – unavailable | – | – |
Key phrase: India No. 4 replacement – appears naturally in the table caption and description.
5. Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Front‑Runner?
If you ask most pundits, Ruturaj Gaikwad is the most logical pick for the No. 4 slot.
- Form: Two centuries and two fifties in his last eight first‑class innings, plus a 117 and an unbeaten 68 in the recent India A List‑A series. His batting average sits above 55 across formats in the last three months.
- Right‑handed balance: With both Sudharsan and Padikkal being left‑handers, Gaikwad restores the crucial right‑hand/left‑hand equilibrium, denying Simon Harmer the left‑hander feast he enjoyed in Kolkata.
- Adaptability: Though primarily an opener, Gaikwad has shown the temperament to bat down the order in domestic knockout games. He can absorb the new ball if the openers fall early, and he can also accelerate when the team needs runs.
SEO tip: Use “Ruturaj Gaikwad No. 4” and “right‑handed batsman” as secondary keywords.
6. Other Viable Contenders – A Quick Look
Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Pros: Has been in the senior Test squad for years, good technique against pace, unbeaten 71* shows resilience.
- Cons: Recent scores have been a roller‑coaster, raising doubts about consistency.
Sai Sudharsan
- Pros: Left‑handed, solid against spin, scored 87 in Delhi vs West Indies.
- Cons: Inconsistent in the recent India A series and could further tip the left‑handed balance.
Devdutt Padikkal
- Pros: Aggressive left‑hander, 150 vs Australia A, stellar Ranji numbers.
- Cons: Only two Test caps, recent A‑series struggles, doubtful for a pressure‑filled No. 4 role.
Dhruv Jurel
- Pros: Already performed as “makeshift” No. 4 in Kolkata, comfortable under pressure.
- Cons: Primary role is wicket‑keeper‑batsman; may be better placed lower down the order.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Pros: Offers a handy fifth bowling option, right‑handed.
- Cons: Still maturing as a batsman, not a specialist for the No. 4 slot.
Karun Nair
- Pros: Vast experience, big‑innings capability (174*, 233).
- Cons: Out of the Test side for a year; management may be hesitant to recall him for a short‑term fix.
7. What the Choice Means for the Series
- If Gaikwad is picked: India gains a right‑handed anchor who is firing in domestic cricket. The lineup becomes balanced (four left‑handers, three right‑handers), diminishing Harmer’s left‑hander advantage.
- If Easwaran is chosen: The team gets a Test‑seasoned player, but the left‑handed bulk remains high (six lefties).
- If Padikkal or Sudharsan is selected: The left‑handed count rises to seven – a tactical nightmare against a side that has already dismissed lefties for cheap wickets.
- If Jurel or Reddy keep their current spots: India retains flexibility but may lack the required solidity at No. 4.
The final XI will also dictate the batting order dynamics. A right‑handed No. 4 can shield the lower order from the new ball, while a left‑handed No. 4 could expose the team to the same vulnerability that saw Harmer dominate earlier.
In short, the decision is not just about filling a vacancy; it’s about shaping the entire batting strategy for a match that could decide the series.
8. Final Thoughts – Who Will Be India’s Last‑Minute Saviour?
All things considered, Ruturaj Gaikwad emerges as the most compelling choice for the No. 4 slot in Guwahati:
- He is in purple‑patch form across formats.
- He brings the needed right‑hand balance to counter South Africa’s left‑hander‑friendly attack.
- He possesses the technical foundation to negotiate both swing and seam, a non‑negotiable trait for a Test No. 4.
If Gaikwad is unavailable due to an unforeseen injury or a strategic decision, Abhimanyu Easwaran should be the backup. He’s already familiar with the Test environment and can provide a steady presence at No. 4.
Regardless of who finally dons the No. 4 gloves, one thing is clear: the Indian team’s batting depth will be tested, and the outcome of the Guwahati Test could swing either way. Keep an eye on the official XI announcement – it will likely be the most watched decision in Indian cricket this month.
IPL 2026 Mini‑Auction is coming!
Check out my breakdown of every franchise’s squad gaps, auction priorities & the players you should watch. https://krsyara.com/ipl-2026-mini%E2%80%91auction-team-gaps-priorities-who-to-watch/