Morne Morkel reveals reason behind Shubman Gill's neck injury amidst IND vs SA 1st Test, says 'I don't think it's...'

India suffered a massive setback during their first Test against South Africa when captain Shubman Gill retired hurt after facing just three balls on the second morning at the Eden Gardens. The incident occurred immediately after Gill executed a sweep shot for four off bowler Simon Harmer; he instantly removed his helmet and clutched his neck, prompting the team's physiotherapist to rush onto the field. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later issued a statement confirming, "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."

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It was just a bad night’s sleep: Morne Morkel on Shubman Gill's neck injury

Gill did not return to bat for India and was eventually retired out on a challenging day where 15 wickets fell on the turning track, highlighting the team's need for his presence. The captain's continuous, non-stop cricket schedule has been noted, as he has been an ever-present name on India's team sheet across formats, leading the squad in two formats and serving as vice-captain in T20Is. However, when addressing the press after the day's play, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel refrained from attributing the injury to the strain of being a three-format player, stating he wished to first understand the precise cause of the injury.

“I think we first need to determine how he got the neck stiffness. Maybe, [it was] just a bad night’s sleep. I don’t think we can put it down to the load [workload]. Shubman is a very fit guy. He looks after himself very well.,” Morkel said at the press conference after the conclusion of Day 2.

“So it was just unfortunate this morning that he woke up with a stiff neck, and that carried into the day, which was crucial for us. Another partnership with him was what we needed at the time,” added Morkel.

Shubman Gill doubtful for rest of 1st Test vs SA

The chances are really that Gill will take the ground on Day 3 as Sports Tak understands that he was taken to the hospital for further examination after the match.

Sources privy to the development told Sports Tak that Gill is likely to miss the rest of the match after suffering an acute neck sprain while sweeping a ball from South Africa's Simon Harmer. He was first undergoing treatment in the dressing room, wearing a neck collar.

Talking about the Day 2's action, Ravindra Jadeja's spin wizardry left South Africa teetering at 93/7 when the stumps were drawn. India bounced back in style after being skittled out for 189. Despite the batting collapse in the first innings, India managed to notch up a 30-run lead over South Africa's total of 159.