India dealt a significant blow in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata as captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the remainder of the match due to a neck injury. While the incident initially raised concerns about workload-related strain, bowling coach Morne Morkel clarified that the issue likely comes from a stiff neck caused by a bad night's sleep.
Gill suffered the injury unexpectedly on Day 2 at the Eden Gardens. The Indian captain, who has been playing non-stop cricket across formats since IPL 2025, walked out to bat after the early wicket of Washington Sundar. However, just moments into his innings, he began showing signs of discomfort after a sweep shot. He retired hurt and was later taken to the hospital for scans, and the BCCI soon confirmed that he would take no further part in the match.
According to the BCCI, Gill suffered an acute neck sprain and remains under observation in a Kolkata hospital. The injury occurred just three balls into his innings, when he slog-swept Simon Harmer for four but instantly clutched the back of his neck. Despite on-field treatment, his head movement was restricted, forcing him to walk off retired hurt. He did not return to bat as India were bowled out for 189, nor did he take the field on Day 3. Speaking to reporters, bowling coach Morkel quashed speculation that Gill's heavy workload caused the injury.