Gill ruled out for rest of the match due to neck injury, says BCCI

India captain Shubman Gill was on Sunday ruled out of the remainder of the opening Test against South Africa  due to a neck injury. The BCCI gave the update before start of day three, confirming that he will not be available to bat in the second innings on a pitch with uneven bounce. Gill had suffered a neck injury while batting on the second day of the first Test in Kolkata and was retired hurt on 4 not out. “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 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,” said the BCCI in a statement.

The incident happened in the first session on Day 2, when on the fifth ball of the 35th over, Gill played a nice sweep off South African off-spinner Simon Harmer over backward square for four. While the shot’s execution impressed the onlookers, Gill immediately clutched his neck in visible discomfort as he tried to stand upright. He unable to move his neck freely, he walked off the field to retire hurt for four off just three balls.

Gill previously suffered from a stiff neck in the lead-up to India’s first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024, which eventually ruled him out of the clash. The same issue had led to him missing the second T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in July 2024.