Is Shubman Gill Headed to Mumbai for Neck Injury Assessment?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Shubman Gill's neck injury leads to his travel to Mumbai for assessment, while Rishabh Pant steps up as captain for the second Test against South Africa. The stakes are high for India as they strive to level the series after a loss in Kolkata. Will Gill's recovery affect India's ODI series against the Proteas?
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill is heading to Mumbai for further assessment of his neck injury.
- Rishabh Pant will captain India in the second Test against South Africa.
- The second Test is crucial for India after losing the first Test.
- Gill's injury raises concerns for his participation in the upcoming ODI series.
- Pant is set to become India's 38th Test captain.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) Following his exclusion from the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, Shubman Gill will be traveling to Mumbai for an in-depth evaluation of his neck injury, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday.
In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the captain for the crucial second Test, which India must win after losing the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs. Gill had accompanied the Indian squad to Guwahati on November 19, but did not participate in practice sessions due to his neck injury, which previously required hospitalization in Kolkata.
“Team India captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa, has been excluded from the second Test in Guwahati. He sustained the injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test and was taken to the hospital for evaluation after day’s end,” the BCCI stated.
“He was monitored and discharged the following day. He traveled to Guwahati on November 19, 2025. Unfortunately, he was not in suitable condition to compete in the second Test and will go to Mumbai for additional evaluation of his injury. Rishabh Pant will captain the team in Gill's absence,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia remarked.
Reports indicate that Gill boarded a flight to Mumbai from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport early Friday morning. He is expected to consult Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Head of the Centre for Sports Medicine and Director of Arthroscopy & Shoulder Service at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, to determine the next steps for recovery from his neck injury.
Dr. Pardiwala is also managing the recovery of Shreyas Iyer, who was hospitalized in Sydney for a spleen laceration with internal bleeding after clutching his ribcage while catching Alex Carey during India's third ODI against Australia on October 25.
After being discharged and continuing his recovery in Sydney, Iyer has returned to Mumbai but will require a few more months to regain full fitness. Currently, Gill is also uncertain to lead India in the upcoming ODI series against the Proteas, which begins on November 30.
In the meantime, Pant will become India’s 38th Test captain and only the second wicketkeeper-batter after MS Dhoni to lead the national team in the longer format. Pant had previously captained India in a five-match T20I series against South Africa in June 2022.
Pant is now set to be India's seventh Test captain over the past five years, tasked with ensuring India achieves a series-levelling victory in Guwahati, marking India's 30th Test venue.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the impact of Shubman Gill's injury not only on the team dynamics but also on the morale of the fans. The BCCI's proactive approach in addressing his health underscores their commitment to player welfare. The situation requires careful monitoring as it develops, aligning with the nation's passion for cricket.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of Shubman Gill's injury?
Shubman Gill is suffering from a neck injury that required hospitalization during the first Test against South Africa.
Who will captain India in the second Test?
Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the captain for the second Test in Shubman Gill's absence.
Where is Shubman Gill heading for assessment?
Shubman Gill will be traveling to Mumbai for further assessment of his neck injury.
What will happen to Gill's participation in the ODI series?
Gill is currently uncertain for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting on November 30.
How many Test captains has India had in the last five years?
Rishabh Pant will be the seventh Test captain for India in the last five years.
