Shubman Gill retired hurt after facing three balls in his innings
Did not return to bat as India were dismissed for a total of 189
Said to be stretchered from the stadium to a private hospital for scans
India captain Shubman Gill's availability for the rest of the opening Test against South Africa is doubtful after he was reportedly hospitalised as a precautionary measure with a neck spasm on Saturday (November 15, 2025). The incident occurred at the end of the second day of the Eden Gardens encounter, when he was said to be stretchered from the stadium to a private hospital for scans.
Gill was seen wearing a neck brace and was accompanied by the team doctor and a security liaison officer as he left the stadium, according to an ESPNcricinfo report. The 26-year-old was unable to continue batting after facing only three balls, having swept the third delivery of his innings for a four off Simon Harmer.
Immediately after that boundary, the skipper appeared to be in a bit of pain as he removed the helmet and held his neck. The physio rushed into the ground and Gill left the field, soon after. He did not return to bat as India were dismissed for a total of 189.
Shortly after Gill went back to the dressing room, the broadcast showed visuals of him being unable to move his neck properly during the warm-up sessions before the start of day 2. "Shubman Gill has a neck spasm and is being monitored by the BCCI medical team," the BCCI eventually stated.
Morkel's Reaction And Batting Order Implications
India bowling coach Morne Morkel termed the injury as "unfortunate" but dismissed major concerns about Gill’s workload. He remarked, "Gill is a very fit guy, he looks after himself very well," noting that the timing of his stiff neck was critical for the team. Due to the nature of the injury being internal, if Gill returns to bat, he might not take his usual No. 4 position.
Workload Concerns And Match Developments
Gill’s injury comes at a time of intense schedule scrutiny as he has played non-stop cricket across formats since Indian Premier League 2025. He was among four Test players who flew directly to Kolkata from Australia after the T20I series, underscoring the physical demands on him.
In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant captained the side during South Africa's second innings. An impressive performance by Ravindra Jadeja, who took 4 for 29, restricted South Africa to 93 for 7 by stumps, with the Proteas leading by only 63 runs.
