Shubman Gill retires hurt with neck injury

Shubman Gill was just three balls into his innings in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata when he appeared to hurt his neck and had to go off the field to receive attention. He did not come out to bat as India finished their first innings on 189, leading South Africa by 30 runs.

"Shubman Gill has a neck spasm and is being monitored by the BCCI medical team. A decision on his participation today will be taken as per his progress," the BCCI said in a statement after the first session of play on the day.

India were 75 for 2 when Gill, facing his third delivery, slog-swept Simon Harmer for four over square leg. But, as he completed the shot and got up, he showed clear signs of discomfort, took off his helmet and rubbed the back of his neck. The physio went out and Gill was quickly taken off, even as he continued to massage his neck.

Gill trudged off slowly and headed straight into the dressing room for treatment, much to the disappointment of the crowd that had roared him in just moments earlier.

Visuals - from before the start of play - on the live broadcast, not long after the incident showed Gill doing some stretches and indicating to members of the support staff that he was feeling some discomfort in his neck. "It looks like he was carrying this since morning, Murali Kartik said on the broadcast. "You can see him trying to make sure it [the neck] was nice and supple."

This is the second time Gill has missed a Test match because of a neck issue. He had to sit out India's Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru last October because of a stiff neck.

Rishabh Pant walked out to replace him, and India later went into lunch at 138 for 4. The wickets fell in a flurry post the break, with Harmer picking up 4 for 30, while Marco Jansen returned 3 for 35. Axar Patel was the last batter to fall as India ended their first innings with only a marginal lead.