The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on November 16 gave an update on captain Shubman Gill’s neck injury which led to him leaving the field on Day 2. Gill was stretchered off Eden Gardens, Kolkata and was taken to the hospital. He will not take the field for the remainder of the first Test against South Africa.
“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,” BCCI said in a statement on November 16.
“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 walked off the field after scoring just four runs from three deliveries. He was in discomfort after hitting Simon Harmer for a boundary.
What Morkel said about Gill's injury
In post-Day 2's play press conference, India bowling coach Morne Morkel ruled out workload across formats as reason for Gill's injury. He said that it is just a result of a bad night's sleep.
“Gill is a very fit guy, he looks after himself very well, so it’s just unfortunate this morning that he woke up with a stiff neck and that carried him into the day, which was crucial for us,” said Morkel.
“Another sort of partnership with him batting around was going to be needed for us at the time and... just bad timing,” he added.
Huge setback for India's batting lineup
Gill's absence is a huge blow for India considering tough batting conditions in Kolkata. Whatever target South Africa set for the hosts, it will be tricky to chase down as India won't have Gill's services.
Once again, it leads to debate around injury replacements being provided in international cricket. The rule is already in place in domestic cricket and injured players have been replaced, allowed to bat and bowl, not just field as a substitute fielder.