3 players who can replace injured Shubman Gill in India’s Test squad

India suffered a major injury scare ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after skipper Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right finger during a training session. As a precaution, Gill did not take the field on Day 1 of India’s three-day warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the 26-year-old is being closely monitored by their medical staff, although there has been no official word yet on the severity of the injury. If Gill is ruled out of the series, the selectors will have to bring in a replacement capable of strengthening India’s batting unit.

Here are 3 players who could replace the injured Shubman Gill in India’s Test squad:

3. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan remains one of the strongest contenders for a recall to the Indian Test side. The Mumbai batter last represented India during the home Test series against New Zealand in 2024, where he finished as India’s third-highest run-scorer with 171 runs in six innings, including a memorable century in the opening Bengaluru Test.

Although a string of low scores eventually cost him his place in the side, Sarfaraz has continued to pile on runs in domestic cricket. During the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, he scored 429 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 53.62. Known for his ability to dominate spin bowling and score freely through unconventional strokes, Sarfaraz’s experience in Indian conditions could make him a valuable addition if India require a middle-order batter.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad has consistently impressed in red-ball cricket and could provide the stability India may need in Gill’s absence. The Maharashtra batter enjoyed another productive domestic season, scoring 410 runs in seven innings during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy at a superb average of 82.00, including one century and three half-centuries.

Apart from his strong numbers, Gaikwad possesses a compact technique and temperament ideally suited for Test cricket. His ability to anchor an innings while rotating the strike makes him a dependable option in the middle order if required. Gaikwad has also been appointed West Zone captain for the Duleep Trophy, with Shams Mulani as his deputy, further highlighting the selectors’ faith in his leadership and consistency.

1. Ravichandran Smaran

Ravichandran Smaran has emerged as one of the brightest young batting prospects in Indian domestic cricket and could be a surprise selection if India decide to reward recent performances.

The 22-year-old narrowly missed the coveted 1,000-run mark in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, finishing with 950 runs in 14 innings at a phenomenal average of 86.36, including four centuries. It was another outstanding campaign for a batter who is only in his second full domestic season.

His overall first-class record is equally impressive. Smaran has scored 1,534 runs in 17 first-class matches at an outstanding average of 73.04, with six centuries, including a career-best unbeaten 227.

With excellent temperament, sound technique, and an appetite for big scores, Smaran has made a compelling case for higher honours. If the selectors opt to invest in youth, the Karnataka batter could be an exciting replacement for Gill in the Indian Test squad.