Star Indian batter Shubman Gill’s Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign faces uncertainty as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) delivers a concerning medical update. Gill, who is reportedly suffering from dengue fever, is expected to miss India’s second World Cup match against Afghanistan, according to the BCCI. The young cricketer was unable to participate in India’s opening match against Australia at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium due to his ongoing fever. In his absence, Ishan Kishan stepped in as the opening batter, partnering with India’s captain, Rohit Sharma.
BCCI’s Official Statement
In an official statement, the BCCI announced, “Team India batter Shubman Gill will not be traveling 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.”
Before the opening match against Australia, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, addressed Gill’s health condition in a pre-match press conference. Rohit clarified that Gill was not suffering from an injury but was unwell due to sickness. He expressed the team’s concern for Gill’s well-being and emphasized that Gill was not ruled out at that time. The team was closely monitoring Gill’s health on a daily basis, providing him with every opportunity to recover before making a final decision on his participation.
Probable Changes in Lineup
With Shubman Gill sidelined, the Indian team is likely to make adjustments to its batting order for the Afghanistan match. Ishan Kishan is expected to continue opening alongside Rohit Sharma. The left-handed batsman, who faced a duck in the game against Australia, will aim to reverse his fortunes in the upcoming match against Afghanistan.
Furthermore, Shreyas Iyer is likely to feature in the middle-order in Gill’s absence. Iyer, who also had a disappointing start to the tournament with a duck, will have an opportunity to make amends and contribute to India’s campaign in the World Cup.
The absence of Shubman Gill is a setback for India, and the team will hope for his swift recovery to strengthen its batting lineup.
