India, Nov. 15 -- India were dealt a major scare on Saturday evening when captain Shubman Gill was taken off the ground in an ambulance, his neck held in a stabilising brace after a freak on-field injury cut short his innings on Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. What began as a brief pause in play turned into a worrying medical emergency, leaving the hosts unsure whether their skipper would be able to take part in the match further.

Gill's injury occurred during an attempted slog-sweep against Simon Harmer early in India's first innings. The shot, struck cleanly for four, left him recoiling in pain almost instantly, his right hand moving to the back of his neck as he signalled for help. After a quic...