Shubman Gill walked off the field on Saturday after appearing to struggle with neck stiffness. The Indian captain faced just 3 deliveries on Day 2 in Kolkata but was in severe pain. Gill looked very stiff as he made his way to the pavilion, in major injury blow to the Men in Blue.
A statement issued by BCCI on their X handle said, "Shubman Gill has a neck spasm and is being monitored by the BCCI medical team. A decision on his participation today will be taken as per his progress."
Gill walked into bat after the wicket of Washington Sundar in the 35th over of the innings. Facing Simon Harmer, the Indian captain defended the first two deliveries. He unleased his attacking instinct, sweeping the Proteas spinner for a boundary.
That however was the end of Gill's vigil. He looked in severe pain and was holding his neck as the physios attended to him. Following that sweep, the helmet was quickly off, and the captain’s stiff walk back towards pavilion signals a serious sprain.
Gill did not move much as he slowly made his way to the dressing room for treatment. Unable to move or continue, the Indian captain retired hurt just 3 balls into his innings.
Shubman did not come out to bat even as India collapsed on Day 2 in Kolkata. India had resumed the action at 37/1, trailing by 122 runs in response to South Africa's first innings total of 159. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 189, with Gill having retired hurt. He did not take the field as South Africa came into bat post Lunch. Rishabh Pant, who is vice-captain, is in charge with Devdutt Padikkal as a substitute fielder.
