Kolkata, November 16, 2025 – India suffered a setback on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, with captain Shubman Gill ruled out of the remainder of the match due to a neck injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news just before the start of play on Sunday.
Gill's injury occurred on Day 2 while batting, when he felt discomfort in his neck after attempting a sweep shot off South African spinner Simon Harmer. He retired hurt for 4 runs and was immediately attended to by the team's medical staff.
"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," the BCCI stated. "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".
According to reports, Gill was stretchered off the field and taken to a local hospital for scans. He was seen wearing a neck brace. The BCCI is yet to determine the full extent of the injury and his availability for the second Test in Guwahati, starting on November 22, remains uncertain.
This is not the first time Gill has experienced neck issues. He missed a Test against New Zealand last year due to neck stiffness.
With Gill sidelined, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who assumed leadership on Saturday during South Africa's second innings, will continue to lead the team.
Day 2 saw India take control of the match, although fifteen wickets fell on a pitch offering sharp turn and unpredictable bounce. South Africa ended the day at 93/7 in their second innings, holding a slender 63-run lead. Ravindra Jadeja's impressive 4-29 spell dismantled the Proteas' batting lineup.
Earlier in the day, India were dismissed for 189, securing a 30-run first-innings lead. KL Rahul (39), Washington Sundar (29), and Rishabh Pant (27) made valuable contributions with the bat. Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen took regular breakthroughs, with Harmer bagging 4 wickets for 30 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah's outstanding 5-27 in South Africa's first innings set the stage for India's dominance. He restricted the visitors to 159 runs, providing India with a crucial advantage.
As Day 3 unfolds, India will aim to quickly wrap up South Africa's second innings and chase down the target to secure a victory in the first Test. However, with Gill's absence, the batting lineup will need to step up and deliver a strong performance.
The match is being telecast on the Star Sports Network and is live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
