Why is Shubman Gill not captaining India on Day 3 of 1st IND vs SA 2025 Test?

Team India skipper Shubman Gill will play no further part in the ongoing first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata due to a neck injury. The ace batter was hospitalised after the end of Day 2, with Rishabh Pant taking over the captaincy duties.

The wicket-keeper will hold the leadership duties for the remainder of the Test match as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Gill is still under observation at the hospital. The governing body released an official statement ahead of Day 3 on Sunday, November 16.

"Captain Shubman Gill had a neck injury on Day 2 of the ongoing Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day's play," the BCCI statement read.

"He is currently under observation in the hospital. He will take no further part in the Test match. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team."

Shubman Gill showed discomfort after playing a sweep shot against Simon Harmer early into his innings in the first session of Day 2. He then walked off the field with the medical staff, and was subsequently hospitalised for scans and further assessment.

Rishabh Pant led India brilliantly in Shubman Gill's absence to leave South Africa at 93-7 at Stumps on Day 2

With the ace batter not returning to bat and resume his innings, South Africa picked up the remaining nine wickets to end India's first innings at 189. The hosts had a slender 30-run lead and needed a massive performance with the ball once again to not allow the Proteas to make a comeback.

Rishabh Pant, leading India in Tests for the first time, albeit temporarily, led the troops well to leave the visitors reeling at 93-7 at the end of the day's play. Ravindra Jadeja delivered a lethal spell to pick up four wickets, while the supporting spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel also chipped in with key breakthroughs.