EXCLUSIVE: After a humiliating defeat against South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series, Team India will be eager to bounce back in the second Test, which begins in Guwahati on November 22. However, all eyes will inevitably be on skipper Shubman Gill and whether he will be fit to lead the side.
Gill, who retired hurt with a neck injury during the Kolkata Test, has been under close medical supervision since the incident. The BCCI confirmed that he will not travel to Guwahati immediately, and his participation in the second Test remains uncertain.
Fans and experts alike are on edge, as the Indian captain’s fitness could well determine India’s chances of salvaging pride in the series.
With Team India scheduled to fly to Guwahati soon, the final decision on Gill’s availability will be critical. A fit-and-ready Gill could inspire a much-needed comeback, but any setback might leave India scrambling to fill the void at the top of the order.
The coming days will be crucial not just for Shubman Gill, but for India’s hopes of leveling the series against a formidable South African side.
Keeping an eye on Shubman Gill’s injury status, In an exclusive interview with NEWS24, Dr. Jatin Choudhary, renowned physiotherapist and sports injury specialist, spoke about Shubman Gill’s injury and warned it could be serious.
It’s been four days since Shubman Gill’s neck injury. What kind of injury could it be?
Dr. Choudhary: “So far, I haven’t seen any CT scan reports. But based on what I’ve read and the information I’ve received, it looks like a neck spasm. While attempting the sweep shot, his neck stiffened. If it’s just a spasm, there’s usually no serious danger. But the MRI reports will confirm the exact condition. Doctors kept him under observation in the ICU. If there’s numbness in his arms or neural compression, the injury could be serious.”
Since precautionary steps are being taken, is this a serious concern?
Dr. Choudhary: “For a big cricketer like Shubman Gill, even a minor injury is treated with extra care. The spinal cord runs through the neck and controls both arms and legs. If there’s neural compression, a slipped disc, or even a minor fracture, it could cause future problems. That’s why doctors gave him a neck collar, it’s purely precautionary.”
With these measures in place, how serious could the injury be for a normal person? And what does this mean for the upcoming Test on November 22?
Dr. Choudhary: “If it’s just a neck spasm or mild pain and there’s no weakness or discomfort in the arms, a player can usually play. But if there’s neural compression, symptoms like arm pain, weakness, numbness, dizziness, or vertigo can appear. In such cases, the patient or player is advised to rest for 7-10 days and isn’t allowed to return until fully fit.”
Who is Dr. Jatin Choudhary?
Dr. Jatin Choudhary is a renowned physiotherapist and sports injury specialist. He has worked with IPL teams like Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, and with the Indian team during the 2008 series against Australia, when Anil Kumble retired. Currently, he is working with Delhi Police.
What happened in the Kolkata Test match?
Indian skipper Shubman Gill was clutching the back of his neck on the second day of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, did not take further part in the Test match.
Gill’s participation in the remainder of the Eden Gardens Test had come into question on Saturday night itself. He was stretchered off the field and hospitalized as a precautionary measure following neck spasms. He was seen wearing a neck brace and was accompanied by the team doctor when leaving the stadium.
Gill felt discomfort just three balls into his innings while attempting a sweep shot to get off the mark with a boundary off Simon Harmer. He immediately called for the physio, clutching the back of his neck, retired hurt, and didn’t return to bat as India were bowled out for 189.
Before the day’s play, broadcasters spotted Gill doing neck exercises in front of the coaching staff and a member of the medical team. In October 2024, he had also missed a Test against New Zealand due to neck stiffness.
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