Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, stated that captain Shubman Gill is recovering well from a neck spasm, but a final decision on his participation in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati will be made on November 21 evening. He further said the medical team is cautious about ensuring Gill doesn’t risk a recurrence of the injury, which could affect the team. Kotak revealed that if there’s any doubt, Gill will likely rest for the match.
Gill had sustained a neck injury on Day 2 during India’s first Test against South Africa. Gill was taken to the hospital after Day 2 of the Kolkata Test, shortly after retiring hurt in the first innings, having faced just three balls. On the morning of Day 3, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed he would not take any further part in the Test.
Gill has dealt with a similar neck spasm before, which kept him out of the Test against New Zealand in October 2024.”See, he is definitely recovering really well. I met him yesterday. Now, the decision will be taken tomorrow evening. The physios and doctors will have to make a call if he has fully recovered. Because he should not get that spasm again during a game, and that is very important. So, if he is fully recovered and we have a guarantee that he won’t likely have this issue again, then he will play. If there is a doubt, then I am sure he will take a rest for one more game, because it won’t be helpful to the team,” Kotak said in the pre-match press conference.
