IND vs AFG 2nd ODI: What Is Shubman Gill carrying around his neck? Explained

India captain Shubman Gill has been in outstanding form during the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan. After playing a match-winning knock in the opening game at Dharamsala, Gill continued to attract attention in the second ODI at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. However, apart from his batting, many fans noticed a white cloth wrapped around his neck while he was on the field.

The item Gill was wearing was not a fashion accessory or a medical support. It was an ice-soaked cooling towel, a common aid used by cricketers and officials during extremely hot weather conditions. With temperatures in Lucknow hovering around 40 degrees Celsius and very little wind available to provide relief, players have been dealing with intense heat throughout the match.

They are soaked in cold water or ice and then placed around the neck, an area where major blood vessels are close to the skin. The cooling effect helps lower body temperature and allows players to cope better with challenging weather conditions. Gill was seen using the towel while batting, and several other players as well as the umpires were also using similar cooling aids to combat the heat.

Gill’s performance in ODI cricket continues to be exceptional. The right-handed batter has established himself as one of the most reliable players in the format, scoring more than 3,100 runs in 63 ODIs at an average close to 59. His fearless approach and ability to dominate bowling attacks have made him a key figure in India’s batting lineup.

In the first ODI of the series, which was reduced to 25 overs due to weather interruptions, Afghanistan posted a competitive total thanks to a brilliant 102 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz off just 51 balls. India’s bowlers responded well, with Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey picking up three wickets each.

Chasing 195 for victory, India comfortably reached the target in 22.5 overs. Gill led the charge with an unbeaten 84 off 66 deliveries, striking 11 fours and two sixes. His innings guided India to a seven-wicket victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.