Team India captain Shubman Gill was under medical observation on Saturday night at Kolkata’s Woodlands Hospital following a sudden escalation of neck pain, just hours after he retired hurt during India’s first innings on Day 2 of the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. According to Rev Sportz, the situation has raised major doubts over his availability for the second Test in Guwahati starting November 22.
Gill, 26, appeared to suffer a whiplash-type strain while slog-sweeping Simon Harmer for a four in the first session. The physio attended to him immediately, and though it seemed initially manageable, his discomfort grew through the day considerably. The pain in the evening was severe enough for him to be stretchered off with a cervical collar, which prompted India’s medical team to shift him to a private hospital for detailed checks.
According to the report, Gill underwent multiple tests and was given medication to ease muscle spasms. He stayed under observation overnight, and early signs indicate he may need several more days to recover, making his participation in Guwahati “highly doubtful.” During South Africa’s second innings, Rishabh Pant took over as stand-in captain, further signalling that the team is preparing for Gill’s absence. Team sources added that Gill is unlikely to bat in the second innings unless absolutely necessary.
At the post-day briefing, India bowling coach Morne Morkel brushed aside suggestions that Gill’s injury was a result of workload. Despite Gill’s hectic schedule—having led India through the England series, travelling to Australia to play white-ball cricket and returning to Kolkata less than two days ahead of the Test team officials maintain the neck issue seems unrelated to fatigue.
“We first need to determine how he got neck stiffness, maybe just a bad night’s sleep,” Morkel said. “Shubman is a very fit guy, he looks after himself very well… it’s just unfortunate that he woke up with a stiff neck and that carried into a crucial day for us.”
Earlier, the BCCI stated that Gill was being treated for a neck spasm and decisions on his availability would be taken depending upon how his condition evolves. The injury came during a dramatic passage of play, just an over after Harmer removed Washington Sundar with classic drift and turn. With India on the verge of forcing a result and the Test likely to wrap up early on Day 3, Gill’s absence has become a major talking point not just for the remainder of this match, but for the rest of the series.
