India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has revealed that the final decision on Shubman Gill’s participation in the second Test match against South Africa will be taken on Friday. Gill faced only three deliveries before he was ruled out with a neck spasm in the opening Test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The Indian captain’s injury proved to be costly as the hosts suffered a 30-run loss, as they had to play with a batter short. Kotak said Gill is not certain for the second game as the neck spasm can recur and it can once again prove costly for the team.

Rishabh Pant, the team’s vice-captain, is all set to lead India in the second game.

“See, he is definitely recovering really well, because I also met him yesterday,” Kotak said ahead of a practice session on Thursday from which Gill was a notable absentee.

“Now, the decision will be taken tomorrow evening, because the physios and doctors have to decide whether, even if he is fully recovered, there’s a chance of the spasm recurring during the match. That is very important,” Kotak said.

“If there is a doubt, then I am sure he will rest for one more game because it won’t help the team otherwise. A player like Shubman, and he’s the captain so any team would miss him,” he added.

There is no doubt that Gill’s absence weakens India’s batting, but Kotak is confident in the bench strength.

“But if he is missing out because of injury, we have batters and plenty of good players. They are professionals; they should come and perform for the team,” Kotak said.

“We all wish he plays, but if he doesn’t, we will definitely have a good replacement and maybe the guy coming in will score a hundred,” he added.

India and South Africa will take on each other in the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, from Saturday onwards.