The Indian camp has suffered a major setback ahead of the start of play on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens. India captain Shubman Gill has officially been ruled out of the remainder of the match due to a severe neck spasm, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed in an official statement.
The 26-year-old opener had to retire hurt on Day 2 after facing just three deliveries in India’s first innings. Gill was seen in visible discomfort immediately after executing a sweep shot for a boundary off spinner Simon Harmer, quickly clutching the back of his neck.
Rushed to the Hospital
Despite initial treatment on the field, Gill’s condition reportedly worsened throughout the day. At the conclusion of Day 2, Gill was stretchered out of the stadium and taken to a private hospital in Kolkata for further evaluation and monitoring.
BCCI Statement: “Captain Shubman Gill had a neck injury on Day 2 of the ongoing Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of the day’s play… He is currently under observation in the hospital. He will take no further part in the Test match. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team.”
Vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who took over the reins during Gill’s absence on Day 2, will continue to lead the side for the duration of the match.
Workload Concerns Resurface
Gill’s injury immediately brought his demanding workload back into focus. Since taking over the Test and ODI captaincy, the young cricketer has been playing non-stop across all three formats, including the Champions Trophy, the IPL, five Tests against England, the Asia Cup, and white-ball matches against the West Indies and Australia.
While India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel attempted to downplay the workload concerns, suggesting the spasm might be due to a “bad night’s sleep,” the severity of the injury, which necessitated a hospital visit, raises concerns over his availability for the second Test in Guwahati, scheduled to begin on November 22.
Gill’s absence for the remainder of the match leaves the Indian team weakened as they attempt to press for a victory on a turning pitch at the Eden Gardens.