Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : November 18, 2025 11:43 PM IST
Shubman Gill, the Indian skipper, retired hurt after he suffered a neck sprain while attempting a slog sweep off Simon Harmer on the second day of the first Test against South Africa, in Kolkata on November 15.
According to reports, the Indian skipper only faced three balls before the injury forced him off the field. He struck Harmer for a slog-swept four over backward square leg but appeared to suffer a whiplash in the follow-through, immediately clutching the back of his neck. The physio was immediately dispatched to the field and after a brief check, Shubham Gill walked off grimacing in discomfort.
In a statement issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on X, the cricket board revealed that Shubham suffered from neck spasm and will return to the field as and when his condition gets better. The BCCI statement read, "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."
Update
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. Updates https://t.co/okTBo3qxVH#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBankpic.twitter.com/ivd9LVsvZj BCCI (@BCCI) November 15, 2025
Neck spasm is an involuntary contraction or tightening of your neck muscles. Spasms typically, when an individual strains their neck, but injuries and other conditions may also contribute to this medical condition. According to healthcare professionals, neck spasm usually accompanies symptoms like neck pain and stiffness. The symptoms of next pole may last from several minutes to several weeks, and sometimes the pain continues even after the contraction stops.
"If you experience a neck spasm, you'll feel a sudden and sharp pain in one or more parts of your neck, deep in the muscle tissue. The affected muscle might also feel hard or tight. It might be painful to move your neck around," Healthline states.
Symptoms of muscle spasm may range from mild to severe. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the common signs include:
Neck spasms are not a serious injury and typically resolve on their own within a week. However, you must seek medical attention if the injury lasts more than a week. According to Healthline, neck spasm can be treated without medical intervention. It suggests, "gently stretching your neck can help ease stiffness, soreness, and spasms." Some of the common exercises that work like magic to treat neck spasm include simple neck stretch and scalene stretch.
Disclaimer: The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.
