The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed Wednesday that captain Shubman Gill will travel to Guwahati with the team for the second Test against South Africa starting November 22, despite suffering a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata. However, his participation remains uncertain.
Injury Details and Medical Status
Shubman Gill was hospitalized after sustaining a neck injury while batting on Day 2 at Eden Gardens. He was spotted wearing a neck brace at Kolkata airport Wednesday morning, restricting movement around the injured area.
“Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day’s play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day,” the BCCI stated.
“Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly,” the board added.
Incident Occurred During Match
The injury occurred late on Day 2 when, moments after slog-sweeping Simon Harmer for four, Gill appeared to suffer a whiplash-like reaction. He clutched the back of his neck, struggling to turn his head, and retired hurt after facing just three balls. He was taken to a private hospital wearing a cervical collar as a precaution.
Former India captain and CAB president Sourav Ganguly visited him the following day, confirming the skipper was in good spirits.
Batting Order Complications
India desperately needs Gill fit after South Africa’s shocking 30-run victory in the series opener. If unavailable, India faces difficult batting order decisions, having already fielded six left-handers in the first Test. South African off-spinner Simon Harmer exploited these match-ups, capturing eight wickets as India collapsed to 93 chasing 124.
Potential replacements Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan are both left-handers, while Nitish Reddy, a right-handed all-rounder, has been recalled to the squad.
Former opener Aakash Chopra suggested Ruturaj Gaikwad as replacement, arguing India should avoid adding another left-hander.
“You already have six left-handers in the XI. Do you want to go with seven? You might want to change that,” Chopra said on his YouTube show.
Concerns have emerged about Gill’s workload across formats following his recent schedule spanning T20Is, ODIs, and Tests.
