KOLKATA (Rajeev Sharma): India’s opening Test against South Africa took an unexpected turn on Sunday when captain Shubman Gill was officially ruled out for the rest of the match due to a neck-related ailment picked up on Day 2.
The announcement came from the BCCI just before the start of the third day’s play, confirming that Gill had been taken for medical scans after retiring hurt on Saturday.
Gill’s innings ended abruptly at *4, when he appeared to strain his neck moments after sweeping Simon Harmer to the rope. Though he attempted to continue, discomfort forced him to leave the field, and later in the evening he was taken to hospital with his neck secured for precaution.
Team officials said the 25-year-old will remain under observation and won’t return to the field during the ongoing Test. Medical staff will reassess him over the coming days.
With Gill unavailable, Rishabh Pant—already acting as vice-captain—will continue to marshal the side for the remaining sessions.
India’s assistant coach Morne Morkel downplayed concerns about workload, suggesting the issue may have been triggered by something as minor as sleeping in an awkward position rather than cricketing strain.
The development leaves India adjusting their plans midway through a tightly contested Test, with the spotlight now on Pant and the rest of the batting order to compensate for the absence of their regular skipper.
