Why Shubman Gill Wore a White Towel Around His Neck in the Lucknow Heat
Fans asked about the white cloth on Shubman Gill’s neck in Lucknow: it was an ice-soaked cooling towel used to beat heat close to 40°C during the ODI.
By SportCricket Desk · 17 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
During the second ODI against Afghanistan at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, spectators noticed Shubman Gill fielding with a white cloth draped around his neck. The explanation is simple: it was an ice-soaked cooling towel.
Coping with the heat
Temperatures in Lucknow were close to 40°C, and conditions were hot and humid. Players use such towels in extreme heat to help regulate body temperature. They are soaked in ice water and wrapped around the neck, where blood vessels sit near the surface, which helps lower body temperature and eases heat stress.
Gill used the towel while batting, and several other players and match officials took similar steps during the game.
Gill’s ODI record
Gill has been outstanding in the format. He has scored over 3,100 runs in 63 ODIs at an average close to 59, making him one of India’s most consistent performers.
The first ODI
In the opening match of the series, Afghanistan set a competitive total thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 102 off 51 balls. India’s bowlers hit back, with Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey taking three wickets each.
India then chased 195 in just 22.5 overs. Gill led the way with an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, as India won by seven wickets and went 1-0 up in the series.
