IND vs SA: Here's why Shubman Gill retired hurt after facing just 3 balls

Concern for India as Shubman Gill walks off with apparent neck injury after brief but attacking start

India suffered an early scare on the second morning of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata as Shubman Gill walked off retired hurt with a suspected neck spasm, just moments after beginning his innings at the Eden Gardens.

 

Gill injures neck after slog-sweep

 

India were 75 for 2 when Gill, facing only his third ball, slog-swept Simon Harmer over square leg for four. But immediately after completing the stroke, the batter straightened up gingerly, removed his helmet and grabbed the back of his neck.

 

The discomfort was evident. The physio rushed in, and after a brief chat, Gill was taken off the field while still massaging the affected area — a sight that left the Kolkata crowd disappointed after welcoming him with loud cheers just minutes earlier.  Check India vs South Africa 1st Test full scorecard here

 

BCCI confirms neck spasm; participation uncertain

 

The BCCI issued an update at the end of the first session:

 

“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.”

 

Live visuals later showed Gill doing neck stretches near the dressing-room area, still appearing uncomfortable. On commentary, Sunil Gavaskar suggested the issue may have existed before play began:

 

“It looks like he was carrying this since morning. You could see him trying to keep the neck nice and supple.” 

Shubman Gill's workload

 

Since being appointed India’s Test captain in June, the 26-year-old has had only one significant break — after the conclusion of the England tour and before the start of the Asia Cup.

 

After the Asia Cup, Gill led India in the two-match Test series against the West Indies. He then captained the ODI side in Australia, followed by playing all five T20 Internationals on the same tour. He returned home to lead India again in the two-match Test series against South Africa. The turn-over time between the series was not more than a week.

 

India lose wickets quickly after Gill’s exit

 

Gill’s departure brought Rishabh Pant to the crease, but India’s morning only worsened. By lunch, the hosts had slipped to 138 for 4, losing KL Rahul, Washington Sundar and Pant in quick succession, in addition to Yashasvi Jaiswal who had fallen on the opening evening.

 

India still trailed by 21 runs against South Africa’s first-innings total of 159, as the pitch continued to offer sharp turn and uneven bounce.  Check India vs South Africa 1st Test Day 2 live proceedings here