Follow UsIn what comes as a huge blow for team India heading into the crucial day three of the first Test against South Africa, skipper Shubman Gill will sit out day three and miss the remainder of the Kolkata clash owing to the neck injury he picked up yesterday.
Gill slog-swept Simon Harmer for a boundary on just the third ball he faced, but then grimaced in pain after seemingly hurting his neck. He retired hurt immediately, and the BCCI later confirmed that the India skipper was bothered by a neck spasm.
BCCI have confirmed that Gill was hospitalised on Saturday (November 15) and he is set to spend the day today in the hospital as well, meaning India will have to make do with 10 men for the remainder of the first Test.
"Captain Shubman Gill had a neck injury on Day 2 of the ongoing Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day's play," BCCI said in a statement.
"He is currently under observation in the hospital. He will take no further part in the Test match. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team."
Meanwhile, a more detailed report from Revsportz revealed that a six-member medical board has been formed at the hospital to look after the Indian captain.
“Medicines have been administered after Gill was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata on Saturday as he was experiencing severe neck pain,” the Revsportz report claimed.
“A six-member medical board has been formed under Dr Saptarshi Basu which includes a cardiologist and a neurologist. But this is purely as a precaution. It is learnt that pain hasn’t subsided completely and Gill has neck spasms as well, a reason why he won’t be discharged today.”
This development will significantly affect India as it will mean Kuldeep Yadav will be batting at No.8. The good news, though, is that the hosts are in a commanding position with South Africa’s lead just 63 with only 3 wickets in hand.
Meanwhile, after the close of play on day two, team India bowling coach Morne Morkel rubbished ‘workload’ being the reason for Gill’s injury.
“I think we first need to determine how he got neck stiffness, maybe just a bad night’s sleep. I don’t think we can put it down to the load,” Morkel said.
“Shubman is a very fit guy, he looks after himself very well, so it’s just unfortunate this morning that he woke up with a stiff neck and that carried him into the day, which was crucial for us.”