India lost the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata by 30 runs, and on top of that, captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury.
Gill hit a boundary off Simon Harmer on the second day but immediately grabbed his neck. The pain was so severe that he left the field and had to be stretchered off.
The BCCI immediately issued a statement, “He is currently under observation in the hospital and will take no further part in the Test match. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team.”
This meant Gill did not play the rest of the match, and India, chasing a simple target of 124, were bowled out for just 93. Harmer took impressive figures of 4-21, and South Africa won a Test in India after 15 years.
Shubman Gill Neck Injury Update: Coach Gambhir’s Big Revelation
Now let’s talk about coach Gautam Gambhir. In the post-match press conference, he defended the pitch.
He said, “It was not an unplayable wicket. This is exactly what we asked for, and this is what we got. Curator Sujan Mukherjee was very supportive. It’s a wicket that tests your mental toughness; those who played with solid defense were able to score.”
But regarding Gill, he said that the physio will check him today, and a decision on Gill’s fitness will be made after that.
The latest update is that Shubman Gill has a neck spasm, not a fracture. He underwent scans at the hospital, received treatment, and is now resting at the hotel.
He can walk, but there is still pain with movement. Doctors say recovery may take 2 to 5 days.
But the second Test starts in Guwahati on November 22, so time is short. There are reports that Gill may not fly with the team, as air travel could strain his neck.
What will happen next in the 2nd Test?
If Gill is ruled out, a stand-in captain will be found, and the batting order will also have to be reshuffled. With World Test Championship points at stake, this loss has become even more difficult.
The management is prepared for both scenarios, whether Gill plays in the 2nd Test or not.
Shubman Gill’s neck injury is now the team’s biggest question, but his recovery is ongoing under the supervision of the medical team.
South Africa’s victory made the series exciting, and India needs a comeback.
Gill’s fitness report will be released soon, which will either bring relief to the entire camp or bring new concerns.
