Shubman Gill ruled out of Kolkata Test against South Africa; BCCI gives major health update

India holds a commanding position in the Kolkata Test despite captain Shubman Gill's withdrawal due to a neck injury. South Africa, trailing significantly, struggled in their second innings and were 93/7 at stumps, holding a slender 63-run lead. India had earlier been restricted to 189.

India ended Day 2 of the Kolkata Test in control, but the on-field advantage was overshadowed by a worrying setback. Captain Shubman Gill was taken to the hospital after suffering a neck injury, ruling him out of the remainder of the match.

The BCCI said Gill is under observation and will not return to action, a development the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared just hours before Day 3 of the ongoing first India vs South Africa Test.

"Captain Shubman Gill had a neck injury on Day 2 of the ongoing Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day's play. He is currently under observation in the hospital. He will take no further part in the Test match. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team," the governing body said.The injury occurred when Gill attempted a slog sweep off Simon Harmer in the 35th over on Day 2. He struck the shot for four over backward square leg but appeared to suffer whiplash in the follow-through, immediately clutching the back of his neck. The physio attended to him, and after a brief assessment, Gill walked off in visible discomfort.

“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,” the BCCI said earlier on Saturday.

Gill had faced only three balls, and his exit added to India's troubles in a session where they lost Washington Sundar for 29 and were suddenly three batters down — two wickets and one retired hurt — in quick succession.

India squeezed to 189 after Harmer–Jansen pressure

India's innings, which began the day at 37/1 and moved to 138/4 by lunch, was destabilised by a sustained spell from Simon Harmer (4/30) and Marco Jansen (3/35). Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel added early boundaries after the break, but Harmer removed Jurel for 14 and Jadeja for 27, breaking both stands.

Jansen struck soon after, dismissing Kuldeep Yadav for 1, and the lower order provided limited resistance. India closed their innings at 189/9, taking only a 30-run lead over South Africa's 159. Gill did not return to bat due to the neck injury.

KL Rahul (39) and Washington Sundar (29) held the innings together in the first session, while Rishabh Pant's brief counterattack — two fours and two sixes — ended when Corbin Bosch forced a glove to the wicketkeeper for 27.

South Africa collapse again

South Africa aimed to rebuild in their second innings but stumbled early. Kuldeep Yadav struck on the final ball before tea, removing Rickelton for 11 and leaving the visitors at 18/1 in 6.4 overs.

By stumps, the slide had deepened. South Africa were 93/7, ahead by only 63 runs and struggling to hold off India's attack. Temba Bavuma (29*) offered some resistance, while Corbin Bosch (1*) survived till close, but regular breakthroughs kept the pressure firmly on the visitors.

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Source: EconomicTimes
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