The Indian team has suffered a significant setback ahead of the commencement of Day 3 in the first Test against South Africa at Kolkata, as captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out for the rest of the match.
Gill was admitted to Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata following a neck injury he picked up during the second day's action on Saturday. Sources said that Gill has been placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from the outset, though solely for observation purposes.
Gill will continue to stay in the hospital on Sunday and has been officially declared unavailable for the remainder of the match. Moreover, his involvement in the upcoming Test in Guwahati remains in doubt. The batsman has been admitted under the care of Dr Saptarshi Basu, and a medical board has been constituted as a precautionary step, according to news agencies.
This panel comprises a critical care specialist, a neurosurgeon, a neurologist, and a cardiologist, guaranteeing comprehensive monitoring of all facets of his condition.
Officials have indicated that his availability for the Guwahati Test will hinge completely on the pace of his recovery. Currently, it is not feasible to forecast if he will regain fitness in time, although there is guarded optimism that he might recuperate more quickly than anticipated.
On the second day, Shubman Gill retired hurt after facing only three deliveries. He showed clear signs of distress after executing a sweep shot against Simon Harmer, grabbing his neck prior to summoning medical help. He was then transported to a hospital in Kolkata for scans and further observation.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) subsequently verified that Gill was experiencing a neck spasm. He was observed wearing a cervical collar and is under the supervision of the medical team. His abrupt departure necessitated India promoting Rishabh Pant, which marked Pant's inaugural outing since the Oval Test versus England.
BCCI Confirms Shubman Gill Out Of Kolkata Test
The BCCI issued an update prior to the start of Day 3, affirming that Gill would not feature in the rest of the Kolkata Test.
"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. 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. Gill's injury has raised doubts about his continued participation in the series, though the team management has emphasised that no risks will be taken with his fitness. His absence leaves India facing significant challenges in terms of leadership and batting depth," the BCCI update stated.
Sources further confirmed that Gill's condition has shown improvement, and he is stable. His pain levels have reduced in comparison to the previous night, and MRI results indicate no major concerns. Gill consumed breakfast and has started viewing the India vs South Africa Day 3 match on television from his hospital bed, signalling an encouraging development.
As developments continue, the Indian setup holds hope for a rapid recovery. Nevertheless, with important matches on the horizon, the ambiguity regarding player fitness has created uncertainty over India's short-term Test outlook.
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