India suffered a major setback in the ongoing first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens as captain Shubman Gill was ruled out for the rest of the match due to a neck injury.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the update ahead of day three on Sunday.

Gill sustained the injury while batting on day two, attempting a sweep shot off South African spinner Simon Harmer. He retired hurt on 4 not out, experiencing immediate pain and restricted movement.

The team management said Gill was taken to a hospital for examination after the day’s play and is currently under observation. “He will take no further part in the Test match and will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team,” the statement added.

Hospitalisation and current condition

Gill was stretchered into an ambulance on Saturday evening, his neck immobilized in a cervical collar, and admitted to the hospital. According to Indian media reports, he is currently in the ICU, with further tests planned to determine the severity of the injury.

With Gill sidelined, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who led the team during Gill’s absence on Saturday, will continue to captain India for the remainder of the match.

India’s assistant coach Morne Morkel suggested the injury might not be related to workload but could have resulted from a “bad night’s sleep,” emphasizing the need to investigate the cause before drawing conclusions.