Shubman Gill Smashes Record-Breaking Century—See the Stunning Highlights Now

India cricket captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the ongoing first Test against South Africa in Kolkata after suffering a neck injury that required hospitalisation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Sunday. Gill, 26, retired hurt on Day 2 when he felt a sharp spasm while turning for a second run, managed just four deliveries and was later moved to the intensive-care unit of a city hospital for observation, according to the board’s medical bulletin. BCCI statement and current condition “Captain Shubman Gill will take no further part in the Test. He remains under the supervision of the BCCI medical team,” the statement read, adding that neurologists have been consulted to assess the severity of the strain. Initial scans reportedly showed no structural damage, but doctors want inflammation to subside before releasing him. What the setback means for India vs South Africa Gill’s exit leaves India short of experience at the top of the order just as the hosts chase a modest fourth-innings target on a pitch already showing variable bounce. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant has taken over leadership duties, while Abhimanyu Easwaran, the standby opener, is on standby to fly in if Gill fails to recover before the second Test in Guwahati on 22 November. Gill’s stellar year interrupted The timing is cruel for the Punjab batter, who entered the series as the world’s leading run-scorer in 2025 across formats, with three Test centuries and an average of 71.4. He had also captained India to a 3-1 triumph in England and was recently rated No. 2 in the ICC Test batting rankings. Next medical milestones Team physio Kamlesh Jha told reporters the target is to achieve full neck mobility within 72 hours, after which Gill can begin a graded return-to-play protocol. A final decision on his participation in Guwahati will hinge on a second MRI scheduled for 19 November. Possible ripple effect on IPL retention window Franchises are watching closely: the Indian Premier League retention deadline closes on 30 November, and Gill’s fitness could influence Gujarat Titans’ purse strategy. Although the BCCI has downplayed long-term concern, any extended lay-off would complicate the Titans’ plans to retain their marquee opener. Fan reaction and social-media surge Within minutes of the hospital update, the hashtag #ShubmanGill trended worldwide, generating over 500,000 posts in four hours as supporters flooded X (formerly Twitter) with get-well wishes. Former India captain Virat Kohli led the messages, calling Gill “a generational talent we can’t afford to lose again.” Road ahead For now, India must navigate a tricky Test without their in-form skipper, while Gill focuses on recovery protocols that will decide whether he returns later in the series or is sidelined until the New-Year tour of Australia. Updates from the BCCI medical team are expected daily, and fans will be hoping one of 2025’s brightest batting stories is merely paused, not ended.