IND vs SA: Neck spasm rules out Shubman Gill from the remainder of first Test in Kolkata

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India‘s campaign in the opening Test against South Africa has suffered a significant setback, with captain Shubman Gill officially ruled out of the remainder of the match at Eden Gardens due to an acute neck injury. The young skipper is currently under observation in a local hospital and will take no further part in the series opener. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant has stepped in to lead the side in the absence of Gill.

The injury occurred shortly after Gill walked out to bat in India’s first innings on Day 2. Facing spinner Simon Harmer, the 26-year-old executed a clean slog-sweep for a boundary, but immediately after playing the shot, he was seen clutching the back of his neck and signalling visible distress.

Following an assessment by the team physio, Gill retired hurt, having faced just three balls. What was initially termed a “neck spasm” by the BCCI later escalated, forcing the captain to be taken to Woodlands Hospital for comprehensive scans and monitoring at the conclusion of the day’s play. He was reportedly seen wearing a cervical collar as a precaution.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Sunday morning, stating that the skipper has been ruled out from the ongoing Test. The board also revealed that Gill will be under observation and monitored by the BCCI medical team.

“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,” BCCI wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

🚨 Update 🚨

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…

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 16, 2025

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With the captain sidelined, vice-captain Pant assumed the leadership role for South Africa’s second innings on Day 2. Pant’s performance as interim skipper was noted, particularly his field settings and bowling changes, which allowed India’s spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel to put the hosts in a commanding position. As India closes in on a potential victory on the third day, Pant will continue to marshall the team’s efforts.

Also READ: IND vs SA: Ravindra Jadeja equals Kapil Dev’s monumental record on Day 2 of first Test