ODI World Cup: Will India call up Sanju Samson as Shubman Gill replacement?

With Shubman Gill still recovering from dengue fever, he remains unavailable for India Cricket Team in ICC ODI World Cup 2023. There is no certainty when the youngster will be available for Team India as it takes longer to recover from dengue effects. He had to be taken to hospital as his platelets count dropped to dangerous level. With uncertainty over Shubman, will India call up Sanju Samson, who found no place in the initial 15-member WC squad?

Shubman Gill did not travel with the team and BCCI said that he is under the medical team’s observation in Chennai. Gill showed symptoms before arrival and hasn’t had any practice.

“Shubman Gill will not be travelling with the team to Delhi on 9th October 2023. The opening batter who missed the team’s first fixture in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia in Chennai is set to miss the team’s next fixture against Afghanistan in Delhi on the 11th of October. He will stay back in Chennai and be under the medical team’s supervision,” BCCI said in the statement.

How long will Shubman Gill take to recover?

While Shubman remains on course to recovery, there can’t be a timeline. As per a News18 report, Shubman Gill has already “70-80% recovered”. However, as it is with dengue, he will take another two weeks to be back on his feet to join practice. Hence, it is still a lengthy process.

He remains in Chennai as the BCCI Medical Team has not given the necessary clearance.

“It’s difficult to put a date against the return at this stage. Dengue sucks a lot of energy out of the system, that’s why the doctor is keeping him hydrated with a regular dosage of glucose. The moment he gets clearance, the next step would be to see how the body reacts after intense physical activity,” News18 cited a BCCI source.

Should India call up Sanju Samson?

With Shubman down and uncertainty over his availability, should India call up the next backup Sanju Samson? The Rajasthan Royals captain missed out despite having stats to back up his claims in the World Cup side. Since being snubbed, Sanju Samson has joined the Kerala team in preparation for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

While he remains available for selection, the ball is now in BCCI’s court whether they want to wait for Shubman Gill to be fit. Since Sanju Samson is in Kerala, he can be called up at short notice if the team deems so.

Sanju Samson has joined Kerala camp for the upcoming SMAT Season..😍🏏 #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/74phtMhBz0
— Rajasthan Royals & Sanju Ka 'PARIVAR'🏏 (@MeenaRamkishan0) October 2, 2023

Chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, has been with India Cricket Team throughout the World Cup. And any decision regarding a Sanju Samson will go through him. He has been involved in the decision-making process. And if Shubman takes longer to recover, there could be a chance for Sanju Samson to return to India Cricket Team. With the five-day gap after IND vs PAK clash, India will be hopeful, that Shubman will return for the match against Bangladesh on Oct 19.

“At the moment, there won’t be any replacements. We are hoping Shubman will recover in a week or so. We are keeping our fingers crossed. Once he gets the clearance, we will see what shape he is in. It can take a little longer and we are monitoring him. We will give him as long as he needs to be fit. If a decision needs to be taken on replacement, Ajit is in touch with Rohit and Rahul, he will take the necessary calls,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.