 "Shubman Gill was forced to retire on Day 2 of Eden Gardens Test due to neck spasm. Image: BCCI")
The Indian cricket team was dealt a big blow on Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa on Saturday as captain Shubman Gill was forced to leave the pitch with a neck issue. The 26-year-old Gill retired hurt on four from three balls at the Eden Gardens after facing just three deliveries.
Gill came into bat at No 4 after the dismissal of India’s new No 3 Washington Sundar. Promoted to bat up in the order, Sundar made 29 runs off 82 balls before getting dismissed by Simon Harmer.
Shubman Gill injury update
After taking guard, Gill began his innings with two dot balls before playing a lofted sweep over backward square for a four off Harmer. It was during the act of playing the sweep that Gill suffered the neck injury. He felt the pain around his neck while trying to stand up after the sweep shot.
The pain seemed quite stinging as Gill was seen holding his neck and later decided to walk off with the physio holding his bat. The BCCI has since released a medical update that Gill suffered a “neck spasm” and his being monitored by the medical team.
“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,” BCCI wrote on X.
The fans would hope Gill is back sooner for India, but a few pointed out that the tremendous workload for the all-format player cannot be ignored.
“Man, this was bound to happen, sooner or later. Shubman Gill is so overworked. Always on a knife’s edge. Overworked, overstretched and undersupported. Rest up, champ. Feel better soon. Your wellbeing comes first,” a fan said on X.