Shubman Gill will not participate further in the ongoing Kolkata Test match against South Africa due to a neck injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced the update on Sunday, November 16, 2025, before the start of Day 3.
Gill sustained the injury on Day 2 while batting in India's first innings. He felt discomfort in his neck after attempting a sweep shot off South African spinner Simon Harmer. The incident occurred shortly after the drinks break in the 35th over, during which Harmer had already dismissed Washington Sundar. Gill faced only three balls, managing to hit a four, before retiring hurt.
Following the incident, the team physio attended to Gill on the field. Visibly in pain, Gill left the field and was subsequently taken to a Kolkata hospital for examination. He was even stretchered into an ambulance with his neck immobilized. The BCCI confirmed that Gill is currently under observation at the hospital.
The BCCI's statement indicated the seriousness of the injury, stating that Gill "will take no further part in the Test match". The board also added that he would continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team. While initial assessments suggested a possible neck spasm, the extent of the injury required further investigation.
India's assistant coach, Morne Morkel, initially speculated that Gill's injury might have been due to a "bad night's sleep" rather than his workload. However, the BCCI's decision to rule him out of the Test suggests a more significant concern.
With Shubman Gill sidelined, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who assumed leadership during Gill's absence on Saturday, will continue to lead the Indian team for the remainder of the match.
The loss of Gill is a setback for India in the Test match. His brief appearance at the crease saw him hit Harmer for a boundary with a slog sweep over backward square leg. However, the follow-through motion seemed to cause a whiplash effect, leading him to clutch his neck immediately.
At the end of Day 2, South Africa were at 93 for 7 in their second innings, holding a lead of 63 runs. Ravindra Jadeja has been the most successful bowler for India, claiming four wickets. Kuldeep Yadav supported him with two wickets.
