India were dealt a significant blow on Saturday in Kolkata when captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the remainder of the Test against South Africa after being taken to hospital with a neck issue.
Gill, 26, had begun the second day’s play with visible discomfort. He faced three deliveries before sweeping Simon Harmer for four, then immediately called for the physio. After a brief on-field assessment he left the pitch and did not return to bat as India were dismissed for 189.
He was later taken to a local hospital on a stretcher. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Gill is suffering from neck muscle spasms and has been admitted for observation as a precautionary measure. On Sunday the board confirmed he would take no further part in the match.
The opener had carried out specific neck exercises before play began, although the issue persisted. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel said Gill took the field with stiffness and that the discomfort continued throughout the morning. Morkel added that Gill is usually extremely fit but woke up with a locked neck that failed to ease as the day unfolded.
It is not the first time the problem has surfaced. Gill missed a match against New Zealand in October last year with a similar complaint, prompting medical staff to monitor the situation closely.
In Gill’s absence Rishabh Pant, newly returned from injury, assumed the captaincy on the second day. India’s spinners then tightened their grip on the contest, restricting South Africa to 93 for seven at stumps. The tourists’ lead stands at 63 with three wickets remaining.
