Shubman Gill’s neck injury: Gautam Gambhir gives crucial update ahead of 2nd Test | Cricket News
India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the challenging Eden Gardens pitch after India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test, insisting it was exactly the kind of surface the team had requested ahead of the match. “It was not an unplayable wicket. This is exactly what we asked for, and this is what we got. Curator Sujan Mukherjee was very supportive. It’s a wicket that tests your mental toughness; those who played with solid defence were able to score,” Gambhir said in the post-match press conference.
The loss saw India bowled out for 93 while chasing a modest target of 124, with Shubman Gill missing the second innings entirely due to a neck injury. Gill had experienced pain after hitting a boundary on the second day and left the field immediately.Earlier, the BCCI confirmed before Day 3 began that Gill was taken to hospital for assessment after the day’s play. “He is currently under observation in the hospital and will take no further part in the Test match. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team,” the board stated. Gambhir added that Gill’s fitness would be evaluated, with the physio expected to take a call on his condition today. The Indian skipper now faces a race against time to be fit for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, which begins on November 22.South Africa’s win by 30 runs in Kolkata also marked their first Test victory in India in 15 years. Chasing just 124, India’s innings was hampered by the absence of Shubman Gill, leaving the team all out for 93. Off-spinner Simon Harmer starred with figures of 4-21, helping the Proteas defend a target that seemed manageable on paper but proved tricky on the day.
