Kolkata, Nov 16: India suffered a setback on Sunday when captain Shubman Gill was declared unavailable for the rest of the first Test against South Africa, a day after he was taken to hospital with a neck injury. The BCCI confirmed before the start of play on day three that he would not bat again, ruling him out of India’s second innings.
Gill’s injury surfaced abruptly on Saturday afternoon when he attempted a sweep shot off Simon Harmer. He connected for four but immediately clutched his neck, prompting medical attention. He retired hurt on 4 and, later in the evening, was transported by stretcher to an ambulance with his neck strapped for support before being admitted to hospital.
“He is under observation and will take no further part in this Test,” the team management said, adding that the BCCI’s medical staff will monitor him through his recovery.
With Gill sidelined, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who had already filled in after the opener left the field, will continue to lead India.
Assistant coach Morne Morkel suggested the episode may have been triggered by something as simple as discomfort from the previous night. “Maybe just a bad night’s sleep,” he said, downplaying concerns that workload contributed to the stiffness.
Gill has been central to India’s plans across formats. He returned to T20 cricket at the Asia Cup in September and recently led the ODI side during the tour of Australia.
