India captain Shubman Gill has been released from Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital after suffering a painful neck injury during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. The incident occurred on Day 2 when Gill, entering the crease early in the morning session after Washington Sundar’s dismissal, attempted a slog-sweep against spinner Simon Harmer. Although the shot fetched him a boundary, he immediately appeared distressed, clutching the back of his neck.
India’s physio rushed in, but the discomfort was severe enough for Gill to retire hurt with what was later identified as a neck spasm. He did not return to bat in India’s fourth innings collapse, where the team was bundled out for just 93 while chasing 124. After the end of Day 2, the BCCI confirmed that Gill had been taken to the hospital for further evaluation and was officially ruled out of the remainder of the match.
Ganguly Visits Gill, Team Awaits Medical Verdict
According to a PTI report, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly visited Gill at the hospital shortly after India’s 30-run defeat on a challenging surface at Eden Gardens. The update highlighted that the Indian team management has not yet decided on Gill’s availability for the second and final Test of the series, scheduled to begin on November 22 in Guwahati.
The squad is set to travel on Tuesday, but clarity on the captain’s condition remains pending. The medical team continues monitoring his recovery, and the final call is expected only after a thorough assessment. Given the tight turnaround between matches, Shubman Gill’s participation remains in significant doubt.
Gambhir’s Update And Possible Replacement
Head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the situation during the post-match press conference, revealing that Gill was still under evaluation. “He’s still being assessed. The physio will take a call today,” Gambhir stated, keeping the door open yet acknowledging uncertainty.
Should Gill be unavailable for the Guwahati Test, the team is likely to consider Devdutt Padikkal as a replacement in the batting line-up. With India trailing 0-1 in the two-match series, the captain’s fitness has become a major concern ahead of a must-win encounter. As the management waits for the medical team’s final report, the spotlight remains on Gill’s recovery and India’s potential reshuffle in his absence.
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