India suffered a major blow on Sunday (November 16, 2025) after captain Shubman Gill was officially ruled out of the remainder of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens due to a serious neck injury. The update came from the BCCI minutes before the start of play on Day 3, ending all speculation on whether the Indian skipper would return to bat in the second innings.

Gill had retired hurt on Day 2 while batting on 4 not out, immediately showing signs of intense discomfort after sweeping Simon Harmer for four. He clutched his neck in pain, struggled to stand upright, and eventually walked off with visible stiffness, raising early concerns.

Will Shubman Gill bat again?

The answer is no.
BCCI has confirmed he will take no further part in the ongoing Test, ruling him out of India’s second-innings chase.

BCCI’s official statement

“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,” the team management said.

“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,” it added.

What exactly happened to Shubman Gill on Day 2?

  • Gill attempted a sweep off Harmer.

  • Played the shot cleanly for four.

  • But as he stood up, he winced sharply and grabbed the right side of his neck.

  • He could not continue and retired hurt immediately.

  • Later in the evening, he was stretchered into an ambulance, neck immobilised, and taken to a hospital in Kolkata for emergency evaluation.

Impact on India’s second innings

Gill’s absence means India effectively have only nine wickets to chase the target set by South Africa.

With the pitch deteriorating, uneven bounce creeping in, and India’s batting depth reduced, the fourth-innings chase becomes significantly more challenging.

What next for Gill?

The BCCI medical team is monitoring him in hospital. Further updates are expected depending on:

  • mobility and stability in the neck region

  • scan results

  • potential concussion or nerve compression concerns

For now, India will continue under the on-field leadership of Rishabh Pant, who took over captaincy after Gill was ruled out.