In the post-match press conference, head coch Gautam Gambhir said that Shubman Gill is still being assessed, and the physios will take a 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," he said.
India will play the second Test match at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati from Saturday, November 22. In case, Gill remains injured, Rishabh Pant will captain the Indian side.
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How Did Shubman Gill Get Injured?
During the 35th over of the second innings, Shubman Gill swept the ball straight towards the leg side for a boundary. However, despite playing such a brilliant shot, the Indian captain suffered an injury scare as he grabbed his neck in pain. The team physio immediately rushed on the ground as he checked on the Indian captain. It became clear that he could not continue playing and was immediately taken off the field as a precaution.
# Shubman Gill's Second Test Fate in Limbo: Gautam Gambhir Drops Crucial Update on Neck Injury After India's Kolkata Heartbreak
Cricket fans, brace yourselves—India's batting prodigy Shubman Gill's availability for the second Test against South Africa hangs by a thread. Fresh off a shocking 79-run defeat in the rain-marred opener at Eden Gardens, head coach Gautam Gambhir has shared a cautious update on Gill's neck injury that sidelined the vice-captain mid-match. With the series level at 0-1 and the decider looming in Guwahati on November 22, 2025, every squad spot counts. Is Gill a game-time call, or will India tweak their top order again? Let's break down the drama from Day 3's presser and what it means for Rohit Sharma's men.
## The Eden Gardens Nightmare: How Gill's Injury Unfolded
What was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming at Kolkata's iconic venue turned into a nightmare for Team India. South Africa, led by Aiden Markram's gritty 106, posted 311 in their first innings after India were bundled for 164—thanks to a fiery spell from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Gill, opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal, looked solid in the first dig, stroking 31 off 45 balls before a nasty blow changed everything.
On Day 2 (November 15), while batting on 31, Gill copped a sharp bouncer on the neck from Jansen during the 45th over. Visibly in agony, he retired hurt immediately, clutching his throat as physios rushed in. Scans confirmed a neck strain—no fractures, but enough to rule him out of the second innings, where India crumbled chasing 124 to seal a humiliating loss. The 25-year-old was stretchered off and admitted to a local hospital for overnight observation, sparking widespread concern on social media.
This isn't Gill's first brush with injury woes; recall his thumb fracture during the England series earlier this year. But in a high-stakes Border-Gavaskar buildup, losing momentum at the top is a body blow.
## Gambhir's Verdict: "Still Being Assessed" – No Green Light Yet
Enter Gautam Gambhir, the no-nonsense coach who's been India's steady hand since taking over in mid-2024. In the post-match press conference on November 16, Gambhir didn't sugarcoat the situation but offered a sliver of hope amid the gloom.
"Shubman's injury is being monitored closely right now. He's out of the hospital and responding well to treatment, but he's still under assessment by our physios," Gambhir revealed. When pressed on the Guwahati showdown, he added, "We'll have a clearer picture in the next 48-72 hours. The medical team is on it, and we're not taking any risks with his long-term fitness." No timelines, no guarantees—just the pragmatic "one day at a time" vibe that's become Gambhir's hallmark.
The coach also touched on the team's mindset: "Losses like this hurt, but it's about bouncing back. We've got talent in the wings, and the boys are hungry." Fans are parsing every word—Gill's absence in the chase exposed frailties, with Sai Sudharsan stepping in as concussion sub but struggling at No. 3.
## What If Gill Sits Out? India's Plan B and Series Stakes
A Gill-less lineup? It's a headache for selectors. The Saurashtra southpaw has been India's Mr. Consistent, averaging 52+ in Tests since his debut double-ton in 2023. Without him, options include promoting KL Rahul to open (a role he's aced before) or handing a debut to young gun Abhimanyu Easwaran, who's been knocking on the door with domestic hauls.
South Africa, buoyed by their upset win, smell blood—their first Test victory in India since 2010. Temba Bavuma's Proteas are 1-0 up, but India's depth (think Jadeja's all-round magic and Bumrah's fire) makes Guwahati a must-win. A series loss at home? Unthinkable under Rohit-Gambhir 2.0.
On the flip side, Gill's recovery timeline aligns with a potential return—neck strains often heal in 7-10 days with rest and rehab. If he passes the fitness test by November 20, expect fireworks; his aggressive strokeplay could tilt the seaming tracks in Assam.
## Fan Frenzy and Road Ahead: Eyes on Guwahati
Social media's ablaze—#PrayForGill trends with prayers from legends like Sachin Tendulkar ("Speedy recovery, beta—India needs you"). Gambhir's update has eased some nerves, but the "still in doubt" tag keeps the buzz alive. As India heads to Assam for prep, all eyes on that BCCI medical bulletin.
Will Gill strap on the pads and silence doubters, or is this Easwaran's breakthrough moment? Drop your predictions in the comments—can India level the series 1-1?
*Disclaimer: This is based on reports as of November 16, 2025. Injury updates can change rapidly—stay tuned to official BCCI channels for confirmations.*
