India's Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill is staring at a prolonged spell on the sidelines, with medical evaluations revealing that his neck injury is significantly more complicated than initially assumed.
The issue resurfaced during his brief stay at the crease in the opening Test against South Africa in Kolkata, where he managed only three balls before retiring hurt due to discomfort.
He was later taken off the ground on a stretcher and admitted to a local hospital for overnight monitoring before being discharged.
What was originally thought to be a routine spasm has now been linked to a possible nerve-related complication. Multiple reports indicate that the 26-year-old could be out of action for the remaining part of 2025, having been administered an injection to "alleviate his symptoms".
Gill was seen leaving the hospital in a neck brace but still travelled with the team to Guwahati for the second Test. However, on the eve of the match, he was officially ruled out and subsequently left for Mumbai for further consultation.
The opener met spinal specialist Dr Abhay Nene, and his detailed medical assessment has been forwarded to BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar for consideration. According to The Times of India, Gill is dealing with a nerve injury-something the team management is treating with utmost caution, especially with the T20 World Cup scheduled for February-March next year. His earliest possible return is projected to be during the New Zealand series starting January 11, 2026.
For now, Gill has been advised complete rest before any structured rehabilitation can begin. This automatically rules him out of the three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30 and makes his participation in the five-match T20I leg beginning December 9 highly improbable as well.
A BCCI source told PTI, "Gill has been given an injection to alleviate his symptoms and will need a period of rest before starting rehab, training and skill work. There is every chance he could also be doubtful for the T20I series. "
India now face the challenge of reshuffling leadership and batting roles in his absence.
