On the second day of the Kolkata Test, the Indian captain walked off the field after facing just three balls.
When India return to the field on Day 3 to push for victory, Shubman Gill will be in the hospital. He has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test against South Africa due to a neck issue, which required him to be admitted to a local hospital.
On Saturday, Gill came out to bat early on Day 2 but managed to face only three deliveries. After sweeping Simon Harmer for four, he immediately called the physio onto the field. His neck was examined for a few minutes, and soon after, he retired hurt. India were bowled out for just 189, but their captain never returned to bat.
Later, he was seen being taken away on a stretcher en route to the hospital. In a statement, the Indian board said Gill has been kept under medical observation due to “neck muscle spasms” and was admitted as a precaution. On Sunday morning, it was officially confirmed that the 26-year-old would take no further part in the Test.
Before play began on Day 2, Gill had been seen stretching his neck. After stumps, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed that the captain had taken the field despite discomfort.
“Gill is extremely fit and takes excellent care of himself. Unfortunately, he woke up this morning with stiffness in his neck, and it stayed with him throughout the day. It was a crucial time for us—we needed a partnership with him at the crease… but it happened at the wrong moment.”
Gill had also missed a Test against New Zealand last October due to a similar neck problem.
In Gill’s absence on Saturday, Rishabh Pant, returning from injury, took over the captaincy. Thanks to India’s spinners, South Africa ended Day 2 on 93 for 7. With three wickets in hand, the Proteas lead by just 63 runs.
