India's Test captain Shubman Gill has been released from a Kolkata hospital after sustaining a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa, with visuals circulating online showing him exiting the facility wearing a cervical collar.
The footage has sparked concern over his availability for the second and final Test of the series, set to begin in Guwahati on Saturday.
Although Gill has been discharged, uncertainty remains around his participation. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, speaking after India's defeat in the opening Test, stressed that the medical team would make the final call. "He (Gill) is still being assessed. So, let's see. The physios will take a call today evening and we will take a call," Gambhir told reporters.
This video's
for those who were saying Shubman Gill should have come to bat. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/SDn7JZ2mWa
- GillTheWill (@GillTheWill77) November 17, 2025
Gill appeared uncomfortable even before play resumed on Day 2 in Kolkata. Despite the visible stiffness in his neck, the skipper walked out to bat in India's first innings. He struck a boundary off a slog-sweep on his very first scoring shot but signalled distress almost immediately, leaving the field with the team physio. Shortly after, he was taken to the hospital and reportedly moved to the ICU for close monitoring.
The BCCI later confirmed that Gill would not bat in India's second innings. In a statement, the board said, "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 the day's play. He is currently under observation in the hospital. He will take no further part in the Test. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team. "
India now face a must-win situation after slipping to a 30-run defeat inside three days on a challenging Eden Gardens pitch. Trailing 0-1 in the two-match series, the team must regroup quickly, and much hinges on whether their young captain recovers in time to lead them in Guwahati.
Gill's condition, and how quickly he can return to full mobility, will likely determine India's approach heading into the decisive fixture.
