In the first Test match against South Africa in Kolkata, India suffered a serious setback when skipper Shubman Gill was sidelined for the rest of the game because of a neck injury. Although bowling coach Morne Morkel stated that the problem most likely stems from a stiff neck brought on by a restless night’s sleep, the incident first sparked concerns about workload-related strain.
Following Washington Sundar’s early wicket, the Indian skipper, who has been playing cricket continuously across all formats since the IPL 2025, came out to bat. But after a sweep shot a few moments into his innings, he started to exhibit symptoms of discomfort. Following his injury-related retirement and subsequent hospitalisation for scans, the BCCI quickly stated that he will not be participating in the game going forward.
On Day 2 at Eden Gardens, Shubman Gill unexpectedly sustained the injury.
Gill sustained an acute neck sprain and is still being monitored at a hospital in Kolkata, according to the BCCI. When he slog-swept Simon Harmer for four runs just three balls into his innings, he immediately clutched the back of his neck, causing the injury. He had to walk off retired hurt because his head mobility was limited despite on-field care. He didn’t take the pitch on Day 3 or bat again after India was bowled out for 189. Speaking to media, bowling coach Morkel dispelled rumours that Shubman Gill injury was brought on by a rigorous workload.
Yes, I agree that we should first figure out how he got the stiff neck—perhaps it was just a bad night’s sleep. We can’t attribute it to the load, in my opinion,” Morkel stated.
It is regrettable that Morkel awoke this morning with a stiff neck:
The injury is even more regrettable, according to Morkel, who said the hitter is one of the team’s most disciplined and fit players.
“Shubman Gill takes excellent care of himself and is a very fit man. Unfortunately, he had a stiff neck when he woke up this morning, which affected us during a critical part of the day. It was just awful timing,” he continued, adding that another collaboration with him batting around was going to be needed at the time.
Notably, Shubman Gill, who was born in Punjab, was observed in the dressing room donning a cervical collar prior to being sent to the hospital for additional assessment. Later, the BCCI confirmed that he will no longer be playing in the match.
Following the play at the conclusion of the day, [Gill] was brought to the hospital for inspection. He is being monitored at the hospital right now. He will not participate in the Test match any more. The BCCI medical staff will keep an eye on him,” the BCCI statement stated.
Due to his injury, India was also short-handed in the fourth innings and had to rely on wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to take charge during South Africa’s second innings. Shubman Gill, meanwhile, missed a Test match in October 2024 due to a similar stiff-neck problem.
India
