Shubman Gill's participation in IND vs SA first Test looks doubtful after neck spasm; BCCI says ‘decision will taken…’

Shubman Gill's participation in the ongoing first Test against South Africa looks in doubt after the Indian captain was forced to retire hurt on day two following a neck spasm at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Gill, who walked into the field after the dismissal of Washington Sundar in the 35th over, played just three balls before walking back.

The incident happened after he slog-swept Simon Harmer for a boundary on the fifth ball of the over over backward square leg. During his shot, Gill looked to have suffered a whiplash in the follow-through and clutched the back of his neck. The physio was immediately called into the field. After the initial treatment, it was decided that Gill should retire hurt.

Meanwhile, the BCCI shared an update on Gill, stating that a decision will be taken today itself on the captain. “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 said.

Gill didn't bat again, India bowled out for 189

Expectedly, Gill didn't come out to bat as India were bundled out for 189 runs in the first innings, taking a 30-run lead. For South Africa Marco Jansen (3/35) and Harmer (4/30) ensured that India’s first-innings lead is limited to a mere 30 runs. India started the day from overnight 37/1.

KL Rahul (39) was India’s top-scorer while Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja contributed 27 each. Earlier on the first day, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first.

Despite a half-century partnership between openers Aiden Markram (31) and Ryan Rickelton (23), the current WTC champions just could not battle the pace and class of Jasprit Bumrah (5/27) and Mohammed Siraj (2/47) and were skittled out for 159 runs.

Ironically, on this day two years ago, Gill was retired hurt after scoring 79 against New Zealand in the semifinal of the 2023 ODI World Cup at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium due to leg cramps. India's score was 79 too against South Africa when Gill left the field.

Rishabh Pant is leading the side in Pant's absence.