Kolkata – India’s star batsman Shubman Gill went to the hospital after a sudden neck spasm forced him to retire hurt early in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens.
Gill left the ground with a neck brace on the field and was taken to a private hospital that serves as the official medical partner for the match. The Indian Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) said the captain would stay overnight under observation, with further tests scheduled to determine if he can return to the game.
The injury happened in the first session. On the fifth ball of the 35th over, Gill hit a crisp sweep off South African off‑spinner Simon Harmer for four. He immediately clutched his left neck, looking visibly uncomfortable. Team physio Kamlesh Jain rushed to his side, but Gill could’t move his neck freely. He left the field and retired hurt for the four runs against just three deliveries. Rishabh Pant took over as stand‑in captain for the rest of the day.
Later in the afternoon, BCCI confirmed that Gill was still under medical observation. Officials will decide whether he can play in the rest of the Test after a detailed assessment. South Africa currently lead by 63 runs, having finished their second innings at 93/7.
Video footage from the second session suggested Gill’s neck problem lingered even before the day began. He performed neck‑loosening drills with his physio and coaches while still grimacing.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel said he wouldn’t blame the injury on Gill’s heavy workload across formats. “We first need to figure out how the stiffness appeared,” Morkel told reporters. “Shubman is very fit and takes good care of himself. It was just an unlucky night’s sleep, and the stiffness carried into the day.”
Gill had experienced a similar stiff neck earlier in October, ruling him out of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, and also forced him to miss a T20I against Sri Lanka in July.
India’s arch‑rival South Africa now seeks to extend their advantage as the match continues.
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