India vs South Africa: Injured Shubman Gill likely to miss entire series

While on expected lines, India have suffered a big blow on the third day of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. Captain Shubman Gill, who was forced to retire hurt in India's first innings, will take no further part in this game. Medical staff has officially ruled Gill out of the Kolkata Test due to the neck injury he suffered while batting. 

 

As per latest reports, the 26-year-old was taken to the hospital on Saturday (November 15) evening and has been kept under observation of the hospital staff with BCCI's medical team also present to keep an eye on India's Test captain.

 

The incident happened in the 35th over of the Indian innings as Gill's powerful sweep shot against Keshav Maharaj fetched him a boundary but also caused instant pain to his neck. As soon as the shot was completed, Gill seemed in total discomfort and shortly thereafter, he was escorted off the field by the team physio.

 

It was clear that Gill wouldn't take further part in India's innings and concerns were even looming over his participation for the remainder of the game. Rishabh Pant, Gill's deputy, has been handling leadership duties in South Africa's second innings and is expected to lead in the Guwahati Test if Gill doesn't recover in time. 

 

While it is too early to say, Gill might be out of the second Test as well although that could be 50-50 with another five days still left for that fixture. With India's immediate priority being T20Is due to the World Cup, it remains to be seen whether Gill shall be rushed back into action, especially when he is the vice-captain and opening batter of the side. 

 

Gill's recent scores in the shortest format have also not been great, meaning that his spot could be on the line if the big score doesn't come soon. Especially with the way head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have been taking bold calls. All this could be an oversight at the moment, and Gill's main task right now would be to get his neck spasm sorted.

 

An official update on Gill's injury is expected after the Kolkata Test and over the next few days before the second game that starts from November 22.

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