A much-needed update on captain Shubman Gill’s fitness ahead of the second Test against South Africa came from Guwahati. Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata, has now travelled with the team, and for the first time since the injury, he has been seen without a neck brace.
Gill was spotted arriving at the Guwahati airport, walking normally and interacting with team members. This marks a clear improvement from his last public appearance, when he was photographed leaving a Kolkata hospital wearing visible neck support after retiring hurt early in India’s first-innings.
However, one detail from the new visuals has kept the situation from being labelled a full recovery. While the rest of the squad was seen carrying their own luggage, Gill did not. A member of the staff handled his bags, indicating that although the discomfort may have reduced, the captain is still avoiding excessive movement or load.
What This Means for the Second Test
Gill travelling with the team suggests that the medical team has allowed him to stay integrated with the squad, monitor his progress, and continue treatment on site. But it does not confirm availability for the next match.
India play the second Test on Saturday, and with the recovery window extremely short, his participation remains doubtful unless he responds quickly to treatment and regains full mobility.
Timeline of the Injury:
- Gill injured his neck during the first Test in Kolkata while attempting a sweep shot.
- He immediately left the field and was later taken to hospital for assessment.
- BCCI confirmed a neck issue and ruled him out of the remainder of that Test.
- He was discharged from the hospital but was seen leaving wearing a brace.
- His Guwahati arrival without that brace now indicates partial improvement.
What’s Next
India will assess Gill again before matchday. Based on current signs, the likelihood of him playing the second Test appears low, but the team will wait for a final medical update. If the recovery continues at this pace, Gill is expected to be available for the ODI series that follows.
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