A good news for the Indian national cricket team is that Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a neck injury during the first Test match against the South Africa national cricket team.
Although Shubman Gill has been discharged, he is doubtful for the second Test against the Temba Bavuma-led side, which is scheduled to be played in Guwahati from November 22.
Shubman Gill did not come out to bat in India’s last innings.
Gill has emerged as one of India’s best batsmen since taking over the Test captaincy and was expected to play a key role for the team in the home series against the World Test Champions.
However, on the second day of the match, he retired hurt, holding the back of his neck after facing only three balls. The same day, he was dragged from Eden Gardens in Kolkata and admitted to hospital after suffering neck cramps.
Concerns were further raised when he was seen wearing a neck brace and on the third and last day of the match, the BCCI announced that the captain would not be able to participate in the remaining Test matches, which is why he did not come to bat during the run chase.
Notably, bowling coach Morne Morkel had revealed that Gill woke up with a stiff neck after the first day of play and that the broadcasters had also seen him doing neck exercises before the start of the second day.
Shubman Gill’s pain has subsided
On Sunday, 16 November, RevSportz reported that Shubman Gill’s pain has subsided and he has been advised 4–5 days of rest, putting his participation in the second Test in doubt.
The same media outlet revealed that Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly visited the Indian captain in the hospital.
“BREAKING: Shubman Gill has been discharged from hospital. His pain has subsided, but he has been advised 4-5 days’ rest. His participation in the Guwahati Test hangs in limbo,” wrote RevSportz on X.
Breaking: Shubman Gill has been discharged from the hospital. His pain has reduced, but he has been advised rest for 4-5 days. His participation in the Guwahati Test is at stake. pic.twitter.com/Eg5H6MeUh1
– RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) 16 November 2025
“CAB president Sourav Ganguly arrives at Woodlands Hospital to meet Shubman Gill. The India captain was discharged later in the evening.”
CAB President Sourav Ganguly reached Woodlands Hospital to meet Shubman Gill. The India captain was discharged later in the evening. pic.twitter.com/nX6huCR0HI
– RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) 16 November 2025
In my opinion, it is better to play on a track which takes turns on the fourth and fifth day – Irfan Pathan
In a video shared on his official YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan talked about India’s shocking 30-run defeat in the first Test. He said that India should play on pitches that take turn not from the first day but from the fourth and fifth day. He said:
“There are statements coming out that India had not requested for such pitches, but after a few days it was revealed that the Indian team had asked for such pitches. This is contradictory. But whatever the pitch, they have to play on it. When we tour, we have such a good choice of fast bowlers that India perform better and sometimes their batsmen have to struggle.”
“We get a chance to win. Similarly, if there is plenty of support on the pitches in India, the opposition bowlers will come into play as our skills have diminished. In my opinion, it is better to play on tracks that turn on the fourth and fifth days rather than tracks that go up and down so quickly.”
Also read: Sourav Ganguly orders Gautam Gambhir to recall Mohammed Shami to win Test match