Kolkata: India were dealt a major blow on Sunday morning when skipper Shubman Gill was declared unavailable for the rest of the opening Test against South Africa following a neck injury sustained the previous day.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed the development shortly before play resumed on Day 3, noting that Gill had been taken to a local hospital for further evaluation after the conclusion of Saturday’s play.
Shubman Gill, who had moved to 4 not out before abruptly retiring hurt on Day 2, appeared to experience sharp discomfort immediately after sweeping spinner Simon Harmer to the boundary. Medical staff attended to him on the field before he was escorted off for treatment. Later in the evening, he was transported by stretcher to an ambulance with his neck supported in a brace.
According to the team management, Gill remains under medical supervision and will not rejoin the contest. The statement added that the BCCI’s medical unit will continue to track his recovery.
With the captain sidelined, Rishabh Pant, who took over leadership duties midway through Saturday’s play, will guide the side for the remainder of the Test.
Assistant coach Morne Morkel suggested that the injury may have stemmed from something as trivial as an awkward night’s rest rather than accumulated fatigue. Speaking after Day 2, he remarked that early assessments pointed more toward “a bad night’s sleep” than any workload-related strain.
Gill’s absence leaves India without their regular leader at a pivotal moment in the series, adding an unexpected layer of challenge as the match progresses.
