Shubman Gill discharged from hospital but doubt for Guwahati Test
India Test captain Shubman Gill has been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for a neck spasm sustained during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. However, he remains uncertain for the second Test in Guwahati, scheduled to begin on Saturday.
Gill had to retire hurt after facing just three balls in India’s first innings and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the Test. His absence proved costly as India fell short by 30 runs in a low-scoring thriller.
Travel Doubt: Air Journey Not Advised
India are scheduled to train in Kolkata on Tuesday morning, but Gill is not expected to take part.
The team is then set to fly to Guwahati on Wednesday, yet commercial air travel is not recommended for individuals recovering from neck-related issues. This makes Gill’s participation in the upcoming Test highly doubtful.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, in the post-match press conference, confirmed that Gill is “still being assessed”, adding that further evaluation by the physio team will determine the next steps.
Gill’s Absence Hurt India in Kolkata
India’s fourth innings chase of 124 was severely impacted by Gill’s unavailability, leaving the team one batter short.
“It was tough because we always knew we were one down,” Gambhir said after India were bowled out for 93.
“Shubman wasn’t there, and losing two before lunch meant we were virtually three down. A 50-run partnership or two 40-run stands would’ve kept us in the game.”
South Africa’s victory marked their first Test win in India since 2010, adding weight to the consequences of India’s depleted batting lineup.
Sudharsan or Padikkal Likely Replacements
If Gill does not recover in time, India may turn to B Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal.
B Sai Sudharsan
- Scored 87 and 39 vs West Indies earlier in the year
- Modest returns (top score 32) for India A vs South Africa A
Devdutt Padikkal
- Played one Test each in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and England series
- Recent India A scores: single digits and a 24 vs South Africa A
Selecting either of them would give India seven left-hand batters in the XI — an unusual combination. Left-handers struggled significantly in Kolkata, where offspinner Simon Harmer claimed six left-hand wickets, while part-timer Aiden Markram also removed one.
Neck Spasm – A Recurring Issue for Gill
This is not Gill’s first encounter with neck trouble. He missed a Test against New Zealand in October 2024 due to a similar issue.
The latest scare emerges during a period of heavy workload, with Gill playing continuously across formats since IPL 2025, including a direct travel from Australia to Kolkata for the Test series.
The BCCI confirmed on the morning of Day 3 of the Kolkata Test that Gill would take no further part, prompting his hospital admission soon after.
What’s Next?
Gill’s availability for the Guwahati Test hinges on medical clearance in the coming days.
India, already trailing in the series, will be forced to make a crucial call on their captaincy and top-order setup if he fails to recover in time.
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