Star Indian batter Shubman Gill’s availability for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide remains uncertain as he continues to recover from a fractured left thumb. The talented right-hander sustained the injury during a match simulation against India ‘A’ in Perth, where an attempted catch resulted in the fracture. Medical experts have advised Gill to rest for 10-14 days, delaying his return to the playing XI.
Shubman Gill’s absence has already forced the Indian team to adjust their batting lineup, as they dealt with Rohit Sharma’s earlier unavailability in the series opener. In the first Test, Devdutt Padikkal was given an opportunity, but his contributions were modest, with scores of 0 and 25 in India’s emphatic 295-run victory.
Sources close to the team indicate that even after the recommended rest period, Gill will need significant match practice before being cleared for competitive action. Former India selector Jatin Paranjape, reflecting on the nature of such injuries, speculated that Gill might miss more than one match.
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“Finger injuries, especially to the thumb, typically require two to four weeks for full recovery. Don’t be surprised if he misses two or three Test matches,” Jatin Paranjape told Hindustan Times.
🚨Shubman Gill unlikely to play India vs Australia day-night Test in Adelaide, might require two more weeks.🚨 pic.twitter.com/8RFtuWIeIh
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) November 27, 2024
With the crucial pink-ball Test in Adelaide approaching, Gill’s absence could extend to the two-day warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI, slated for November 30 and December 1. As India strategizes for the second Test, discussions have emerged about reshuffling the batting order, with KL Rahul potentially moving to No. 3 and Rohit Sharma reclaiming his opening slot.
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Gill’s injury comes as a setback for the Indian team, particularly given his pivotal contributions during their historic tour of Australia four years ago, including his memorable role in the iconic Gabba Test victory. Now regarded as a vital all-format player, his absence creates both a gap and an opportunity for India’s batting lineup.
