BCCI Issues Update on Shubman Gill After India Captain Retires Hurt with Neck Spasm

India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens after suffering a neck spasm that forced him to retire hurt during India’s batting innings on Day 2.

In an update before the start of Day 3, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the 26-year-old was taken to a hospital for examination and remains under medical observation.

“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 the day’s play. He is currently under observation in the hospital and will take no further part in the Test match,” the BCCI stated, adding that its medical team will continue to monitor him.

Gill faced only three deliveries before walking off in visible discomfort. After sweeping Simon Harmer for a boundary, he immediately clutched the back of his neck, prompting the physio to rush in. Despite brief on-field treatment, Gill left the field and did not return as India were bowled out for 189, taking a 30-run lead.

Later on Saturday, visuals showed the India skipper being moved on a stretcher for further evaluation.

Gill has had an intense workload since taking over as India’s Test captain and later assuming responsibility for the ODI team. In a packed 2025 calendar, he has featured in the Champions Trophy, IPL, a five-Test series against England, the Asia Cup, and multiple bilateral assignments across formats—raising ongoing concerns about the strain of an all-format leadership role.