The cricketing world held its breath during Day 2 of the first India vs South Africa Test in Kolkata when captain Shubman Gill suddenly clutched his neck and walked off the field. The incident—a clear case of a severe neck spasm—sparked immediate concern about his availability not just for the rest of the match, but potentially for the entire series . Now, the BCCI has officially cleared the air on his condition, and here’s everything you need to know.
During India’s first innings reply to South Africa’s total of 159, Shubman Gill was batting on 29 when he attempted a sweep shot off spinner Keshav Maharaj. Immediately after playing the shot, he was seen grabbing his neck in visible discomfort . With assistance from the physio, he retired hurt and did not return to the crease. At the time of his exit, India was 138 for 4—a precarious position made even more tense by the loss of their captain mid-innings .
In a swift move to quell speculation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a short but clear statement confirming that Gill had suffered a neck spasm. The medical team is closely monitoring his condition, and a final decision on his participation in the remainder of the Test—and the series—will be made after further evaluation . This transparency is a welcome change from past injury ambiguities that often left fans guessing.
Unlike fractures or ligament tears, a neck spasm is a muscle-related issue. It occurs when the muscles in the neck contract involuntarily, often due to strain, poor posture, or sudden movement [[EXTERNAL_LINK:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-spasm/symptoms-causes/syc-20355383]]. In a high-intensity sport like cricket—especially when executing quick, rotational shots like the sweep—a player’s neck can be subjected to unexpected stress.
While not typically career-threatening, neck spasms can be extremely painful and limit mobility, making batting or even fielding risky until full recovery is achieved. Rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physiotherapy are standard treatments.
Shubman Gill has had his share of fitness challenges in recent years. He missed parts of the IPL 2024 due to a back issue and was also ruled out of a few white-ball matches in early 2024 with a hamstring strain . However, he returned strongly in domestic cricket and was named captain for this historic home Test series against South Africa—the first time he’s leading India in Tests .
This latest setback is particularly unfortunate given his leadership role and the significance of the series. His absence would not only be a blow to the batting lineup but also to the team’s on-field tactical coordination.
If Gill is ruled out for the remainder of the Kolkata Test or the upcoming matches, India will need to reshuffle its batting order. Possible replacements include:
Moreover, the captaincy would likely fall to Jasprit Bumrah or Ravindra Jadeja, both experienced vice-captains. This situation adds another layer of complexity to an already tense contest, as India looks to bounce back from a challenging start [[INTERNAL_LINK:india-vs-sa-test-series-preview]].
Neck spasms can resolve in as little as 24–48 hours with proper care, but recurring or severe cases may take up to a week. The BCCI’s medical team will likely prioritize caution, especially with two more Tests in the series. Their decision today will be critical—not just for this match, but for India’s long-term strategy.
Fans and fantasy cricket managers alike should keep a close eye on official BCCI channels for the final call. Updates are expected before the start of Day 3’s play.
The Shubman Gill injury has cast a shadow over India’s opening Test against South Africa, but the BCCI’s prompt update offers some reassurance. While his absence would be a significant setback, Team India has the depth and resilience to adapt. For now, all eyes are on Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where every over could bring a crucial update on their captain’s condition.
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