Star India opener Shubman Gill, who had to sit out of the ODI World Cup opener due to Dengue fever, continues to make a swift recovery. However, it appears that he will remain sidelined for the upcoming match against Afghanistan on Wednesday, October 11, as he is still in the process of recuperation. If he doesn’t make a complete recovery in time, he could also miss the highly awaited India vs Pakistan showdown scheduled for October 14.
“Team India batter 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 will be under the supervision of the medical team,” BCCI’s statement read.
The current World number 2 ODI batter tested positive for dengue fever last Friday. While both Dravid and Rohit were hopeful for Gill’s swift recovery, the opener did not accompany the team to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
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Shubman Gill to miss IND vs PAK World Cup clash?
Considering that dengue fever usually necessitates a recovery period of up to seven days, and potentially longer for severe cases, there’s a possibility that Gill might not be available for IND vs PAK match. The Indian team management would give top priority to ensuring the star batsman’s full fitness for the crucial match scheduled for next Sunday in Ahmedabad.
Gill has been in outstanding form this year for India in various formats. In 20 ODIs, he has scored 1230 runs in 2023, which is the highest among all batters, maintaining a remarkable average of 72.35, including five centuries. This impressive record even includes a spectacular double century against New Zealand, along with several half-centuries.
While Rohit Sharma & Co have capable replacements for the IND vs AFG match, the absence of the in-form opener in the Pakistan clash could potentially disrupt the Indian team’s plans, much like it did in their campaign opener against Australia on Sunday.
Ishan Kishan opened the innings with Rohit Sharma in the Australian clash, but the top-order performance was abysmal, with Ishan getting dismissed for a golden duck. While the Afghanistan match may not pose challenges as formidable as Australia did, India is well aware of the formidable pace attack of Pakistan, and they would prefer to have the in-form Shubman Gill open against the Pakistani side.
