India on Brink of Victory in Kolkata Test Amid Captain Gill Injury Scare
Team India finds itself on the cusp of a commanding victory against South Africa on Day 3 of the first Test at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens. However, the potential triumph has been overshadowed by a significant injury concern for captain Shubman Gill, casting a shadow over his participation in the remainder of the series.
South Africa's Struggle and India's Dominant Bowling
As the action resumed on Saturday, November 16, 2025, the Proteas were holding a precarious second-innings lead of just 63 runs with only three wickets in hand. This fragile position comes after they were bundled out for a mere 159 in their first innings, with Aiden Markram's 31 being the top score. The destruction was orchestrated by spearhead pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed a magnificent five-wicket haul, putting the Indian team in a dominant position from the outset.
India's first innings reply saw them post 189, taking a slender but crucial 30-run lead. Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul emerged as the highest scorer with 39 runs. Several other batsmen, including Washington Sundar (29), Rishabh Pant (27), and Ravindra Jadeja (27), managed to get starts but were unable to convert them into a substantial half-century, leaving the door slightly ajar for the visitors.
Captain Shubman Gill's Injury Casts a Shadow
The major talking point from Day 2, however, was the sudden injury to skipper Shubman Gill. The captain was hospitalised with a neck spasm on Saturday, throwing his immediate playing future into serious doubt. According to reports, Gill had woken up with the issue and was seen doing neck exercises during his warm-up drills. The problem became evident during his brief stint at the crease.
Having faced just three deliveries, Gill hit a boundary but immediately felt discomfort upon returning to his regular stance. He subsequently retired hurt for 4 runs. After the day's play concluded, he was taken to a local hospital for scans. As a precautionary measure, medical staff decided he would spend the night at the hospital. Team India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, confirmed the nature of the injury, leaving his participation in the ongoing Kolkata Test and the rest of the series against South Africa uncertain.
With India needing just three wickets to seal the match and South Africa requiring a miracle, the focus at Eden Gardens is split between an imminent victory and the fitness of their young leader. The cricketing world now awaits further updates on Gill's condition as the match heads towards its conclusion.
