Just IN: Massive blow for India as captain Shubman Gill hospitalised in Kolkata after day two's play

Shubman Gill retired hurt in India’s first innings and didn’t come out to field in South Africa’s second innings.

Indian captain Shubman Gill had to be admitted to the hospital after he retired hurt at the Eden Gardens on day two of the ongoing first test. However, the Indian team management has denied any workload concerns and blamed it on a bad night’s sleep.

As India and South Africa met for the first test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, captain Shubman Gill suffered a serious injury. The injury occurred after he faced only three balls in the first innings.

After facing just three balls in the innings, Shubman Gill retired hurt on four runs after appearing uneasy while coming out to bat at No. 4. When the team physio arrived to see how he was doing, he left with his hand clenched around his neck.

Several hours after retiring due to injury sustained while batting at the Eden Gardens, Gill was transported in an ambulance to a hospital in Kolkata with his neck in a cervical collar, according to PTI reports.

Shubman Gill’s neck spasm would be monitored, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and his return would only be planned if he receives the green light. As Shubman Gill was no longer able to continue in the game, vice-captain Rishabh Pant took over the captaincy duties in South Africa’s second innings.

“He woke up with a stiff neck” – Morne Morkel plays down Shubman Gill’s neck injury

Gill was observed by the broadcasters performing neck exercises in front of the coaching staff and a member of the medical team prior to the day’s play.  

When asked about Gill’s workload and involvement, India bowling coach Morne Morkel called the injury “unfortunate” and dismissed serious worries. He didn’t relate it to his increased workload during the recent tournaments and series.

Morkel dismissed it as a bad night’s sleep and refused to think it was a serious problem.

“Gill 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. Another sort of partnership with him batting around was going to be needed for us at the time, and… just bad timing,” Morkel stated as per ESPNCricinfo.

Shubman Gill has been a constant presence for the Indian team since IPL 2025 and before that as well. He was named the India test and ODI captain recently and appeared in the England test tour, Asia Cup 2025, and the home test series against the West Indies, then visited Australia for eight white-ball games and flew straight to Kolkata for the South Africa test series.

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