Kolkata, Nov 16 (NationPress) Indian captain Shubman Gill will not continue his participation in the ongoing first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens after incurring a neck spasm during play on Day 2.

Gill, who is 26 years old, retired hurt after scoring four runs and did not return to the field following that.

Before Day 3's match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an update confirming that Gill was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation and is currently under observation, thus ensuring his absence for the remainder of the Test match.

"Captain Shubman Gill sustained a neck injury during Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was taken to the hospital for an examination after the day's play concluded. Currently, he is under observation at the hospital and will not participate further in the Test match. The BCCI medical team will continue to monitor his condition," stated the BCCI in an announcement.

The incident transpired in the first session on Day 2, when on the fifth ball of the 35th over, Gill executed a delightful sweep shot off South African off-spinner Simon Harmer for four runs. However, after the shot, he immediately grasped his neck in visible pain as he attempted to maintain an upright position.

Indian team physio Kamlesh Jain attended to Gill on the field as he clutched the left side of his neck. With Gill appearing stiff and unable to move his neck properly, he exited the field after scoring four runs off three balls.

He did not return for the remainder of the day, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant stepping in as the acting captain.

During the second session, new broadcast footage indicated that Gill had been experiencing neck discomfort even prior to the start of Day 2's play.

Visuals captured showed Gill performing neck-loosening exercises in front of the physio and coaches, grimacing while attempting to move his neck.

At the conclusion of Day 2's play, Gill was taken out of the stadium on a stretcher, wearing a neck brace, and was admitted to a private hospital designated as the medical partner for the ongoing match.

He was accompanied by the Indian team doctor and a security liaison officer to the hospital. His father, Lakhwinder Gill, who was in attendance at Eden Gardens, is also by his side.

Previously, Gill had endured a stiff neck leading up to India’s first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024, which had ruled him out of that match. This same issue caused him to miss the second T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in July 2024.