Why is Shubman Gill not playing today's IND vs SL 2nd T20I? 

Team India opening batter Shubman Gill misses out on the playing XI for the upcoming second T20I against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Stadium on Sunday, July 28. He was part of the side that secured a win in the series opener at the same venue.

It was expected that Gill and Jaiswal were the way forward, and will open together for the entirety of the series. Furthermore, they were the only openers that the selector picked as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhishek Sharma missed the cut.

However, Gill's participation in the second T20I became an issue as he woke up with a neck spasm, leaving him unavailable for the match. Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the same at the toss after opting to bowl first.

There was a slight delay to the contest due to a drizzle, but the contest is expected to begin soon after the covers were removed and the toss was conducted.

"We will bowl first. A little bit of weather around. The wicket played really well in the evening yesterday. We aren't really thinking about the DRS. There is always an area for improvement. You always learn whether you win or lose. One change. Shubman Gill woke up with a neck spasm. He misses out and Sanju Samson comes in," Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss.

Gill had made a quickfire 34 runs off just 16 deliveries in the series opener. He showcased intent from the word go, and his early onslaught on the Sri Lankan bowlers along with Yashasvi Jaiswal helped India post 74 runs in the powerplay phase itself.

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Shubman Gill's absence gives Sanju Samson a huge opportunity

After missing out on selection in the first T20I, wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson finds himself in place of Gill for the ensuing contest. It remains to be seen whether he will be a straight swap at the top of the order.

Samson had opened the innings in the T20 World Cup warm-up fixture against Bangladesh in Virat Kohli's absence. On that occasion, he scored only one run before being trapped LBW by Shoriful Islam.

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