Shubman Gill did not have many opportunities to play in the first Test of India against South Africa in Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Indian skipper had done a commendable job by leading the team in the first two innings of the South Africa series but in the second day (Day 2 in the series is Saturday, November 15), the team was batting and the Indian skipper sustained a neck injury. He had already batted three balls and got four runs before the pain was so much that he had to quit the field.
Shubman was taken then to the Woodlands Hospital at Kolkata where his condition was assessed. The 26 year old could not play in the first Test, and Rishabh Pant had to replace him as a captain. On Sunday, November 16, the home team lost by 30 runs having not pursued a goal of 124-runs.
Sourav Ganguly, the president of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had gone to the hospital to see Shubman. The two also discussed around 15 minutes.
The news of the release of Shubman out of the hospital will be a relief to the cricket fans. He is now able to walk and swing his neck. Shubman has been told to take 4-5 days rest according to RevSportz. Nonetheless, a lot of clouds of uncertainty are still surrounding his involvement in the second Test that will be played in the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Shubman Gill’s Availability Uncertain for Second Test
Shubman will be able to spend up to five days of rest before the second Test starts on Saturday, November 22. The Indian team is severely missing its captain in the squad after the disaster in Kolkata.
Shubman has been in brilliant Test form since he became a captain. He was the top scorer in the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy earlier in England. The Punjab batsman later proved his ability in yet another home series of two matches against the West Indies where he scored 192 runs in three innings on average of 96.
In case Shubman cannot be fully fit in time to play the second Test, India will need to have to substitute him with Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal.
