"Maybe just a bad night’s sleep" - Indian coach reacts to Shubman Gill retiring hurt on Day 2 of IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Team India's bowling coach Morne Morkel stated that the think tank will need to find out how skipper Shubman Gill ended up with a stiff neck, which forced him to retire hurt. He dismissed concerns of fitness, terming the incident as something which was unfortunate.

Bowlers dominated Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, November 15. Resuming their first innings on 37-1, India were all-out for 189 in 62.2 overs. The hosts then reduced the Proteas to 93-7 by stumps on Day 2. South Africa have a slender lead of 63 runs.

Earlier in the day, Indian captain Gill retired hurt for four after facing just three balls. He did not come out to bat later in the innings. At a press conference following the conclusion of Day in Kolkata, Morkel provided an update on Gill's fitness. He commented:

"I think we first need to determine how he got neck stiffness, maybe just a bad night’s sleep. I don’t think we can put it down to the load. Shubman is a very fit guy, he looks after himself very well, so it’s just unfortunate this morning that he woke up with a stiff neck and that carried him into the day, which was crucial for us. "Another sort of partnership with him batting around was going to be needed for us at the time and, you know, just bad timing," Morkel added.

Following Gill's exit from the crease due to injury, India's batting collapsed. They went from 79-2 to 189-9 as Simon Harmer starred with 4-30. Ravindra Jadeja, however, claimed 4-29 in 13 overs to bring India right back into the contest.

---

"It was a brave call" - Morne Morkel on Washington Sundar at No. 3 in IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

At the press conference, Morkel also defended India's decision to send all-rounder Washington Sundar into bat at No. 3. Shedding light on the much debated move, he termed it a bold one and explained:

"I think he did really well. Washington has been brilliant for us with the bat every time he got the opportunity, and what a nice sort of opportunity for him in this game to go at three and use him while he is in good form at the moment and hitting the ball well. "I also think it allows us certain options lower down in the order. I thought it was a brave call to make but, you know, also a quality player that’s playing good cricket at the moment, so why not give him that opportunity?" the 41-year-old added.

Sundar was dismissed for 29 off 82 balls, caught at slip off Harmer's bowling. His 122-minute knock featured two fours and a six.

Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news

Edited by Renin Wilben Albert