Team India is facing a potential setback ahead of the first Test against New Zealand as star batter Shubman Gill is reportedly doubtful for the match due to a stiff neck. The 25-year-old informed the team management about discomfort in his neck and shoulder, raising concerns over his availability for the opening game of the three-match series, which is set to begin on October 16 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

According to a report from India Today, a decision regarding Gill’s fitness will be made on the morning of the first Test. Should Gill sit out, Sarfaraz Khan appears to be the frontrunner to replace him in the Playing XI, though he is more likely to bat in the middle order. KL Rahul, who has experience opening for India in the past, is expected to take the No.3 spot if no further changes are made to the lineup.

During the pre-match conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma refrained from confirming the playing XI, citing the uncertain conditions due to rain, which had affected the team’s practice session.

"It all depends on the conditions. Today it has been raining. The pitch is under covers. We will take a call tomorrow morning on 3 pacers or 2 pacers and our best-playing XI. We are keeping our options open," Rohit stated.

India’s Probable Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill/Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Akash Deep/Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj