India’s Shubman Gill heads to Mumbai for detailed assessment of neck injury

India’s captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati and will travel to Mumbai for more medical assessment, the BCCI announced on Friday. Gill, who suffered a neck injury during Day 2 of the opening Test in Kolkata, had travelled with the team to Guwahati on November 19 but did not join any training sessions.

The injury, which required hospitalisation in Kolkata after the day’s play, has not healed enough for him to take the field in the must-win match. India trail the two-match series 1-0 after a 30-run loss at Eden Gardens.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said Gill was monitored closely but could not regain full fitness. “He was kept under observation and discharged the next day. He travelled to Guwahati, but unfortunately was not fully fit for the second Test and will head to Mumbai for further assessment. Rishabh Pant will lead the team in Gill’s absence,” Saikia said.

Pant steps in as sand-in captain

With Gill unavailable, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will take over the captaincy. Pant, who becomes India’s 38th Test captain, carries the responsibility of helping India level the series as Guwahati hosts its maiden Test match.

Pant’s appointment comes at an important juncture for India, who need fresh energy and focus to bounce back after the narrow defeat in Kolkata.

Gill to consult specialist in Mumbai

Gill is understood to have taken an early-morning flight from Guwahati to Mumbai on Friday. He is expected to meet Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Head of the Centre for Sports Medicine and Director of Arthroscopy & Shoulder Service at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Dr Pardiwala will oversee the next steps in Gill’s recovery plan.

The specialist is also supervising the rehabilitation of Shreyas Iyer, who suffered a spleen laceration during India’s ODI series in Australia. Iyer, now back in Mumbai after treatment in Sydney, is still a few months away from full fitness.

Gill’s participation in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30, is now highly doubtful as he begins a careful recovery process. India will hope for clarity on his return in the coming days.