The second day of the India vs South Africa 1st Test at Eden Gardens brought a big scare for India after captain Shubman Gill walked off the field retired hurt due to a neck spasm. The BCCI later issued an official medical update, confirming that Gill remains under the observation of the board’s medical team and his participation in the ongoing innings will depend on his recovery.
This unexpected injury came at a crucial stage when India were already dealing with early wickets and trying to build momentum in their first innings.
Gill Retires Hurt After Scoring Only 4 Runs
India resumed Day 2 at 37/0, but things quickly went downhill.
Gill walked in to bat when India were 75/2, and even though he opened his account with a boundary off Simon Harmer, the trouble surfaced immediately after.
- On his third ball, Gill tried a sweep shot
- Felt sudden stiffness and pain in his neck
- Called the physio straight away
- Walked off retired hurt after consultation
🚨 Update 🚨
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 15, 2025
Shubman Gill has a neck spasm and is being monitored by the BCCI medical team. A decision on his participation today will be taken as per his progress.
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/okTBo3qxVH #TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/ivd9LVsvZj
Fans and teammates were visibly concerned, considering Gill is not only the captain but also one of India’s most reliable batters in recent years.
BCCI Confirms Neck Spasm – Decision Pending on Return
Moments later, the BCCI shared an official statement:
“Shubman Gill has a neck spasm. The BCCI medical team is monitoring him. A decision on whether he will bat again today will depend on his progress.”
With India losing wickets in clusters, Gill’s absence became even more noticeable.
India Collapse to 189 as Harmer, Jansen Break Through
India’s first innings never found stability after losing early wickets and Gill retiring hurt.
India 1st Innings – 189 all out
Top scorers:
- KL Rahul – 39
- Rishabh Pant – 27
- Washington Sundar – 29
- Ravindra Jadeja – 27
South Africa’s bowlers kept the pressure on:
- Simon Harmer – 4/30
- Marco Jansen – 3/35
India’s 189 meant they carried only a 30-run lead after bundling South Africa out for 159 on Day 1.
South Africa Fight Back in 2nd Innings
South Africa started their second innings cautiously but once again suffered early blows.
South Africa 2nd Innings – 38/2 (Lead by 8 runs)
Wickets:
- Ryan Rickelton – 11 (lbw Kuldeep)
- Aiden Markram – 4 (c Jurel b Jadeja)
At stumps on Day 2, the match remained perfectly balanced.
Will Gill Return to Bat?
As per the latest update:
- Gill did not return to bat later on Day 2
- His availability for the remaining innings depends on pain reduction & mobility
- The decision will be made by BCCI’s medical team before India’s next batting opportunity
For now, India will hope their captain is fit enough to return on Day 3 as the Test hangs in a delicate balance.
