Aakash Chopra has voiced concerns about the lack of transparent communication from the Indian team management regarding Shubman Gill’s undisclosed illness. Gill was notably absent from India’s opening match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia in Chennai and has also not traveled with the team to Delhi for their upcoming clash against Afghanistan on October 11.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra questioned the decision to keep Gill’s illness shrouded in secrecy. He pointed out that the information provided before the Australia match was not accurate, stating, “Shubman Gill is ill. He has not yet become fit. The Indian team has decided that they will not tell us clearly, that we can keep thinking, we can say it is dengue or whatever we feel like but they will not tell us.”
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The former Indian opener further remarked, “When he is not traveling and didn’t come to the ground in the last match, it means he is not in such a good position. The Indian team had claimed that he was getting better, was feeling very well, and that they would decide at the last moment. He is not even fit to go to Delhi, and you were saying that you were monitoring him in Chennai.”
India felt the absence of Gill in the opening match against Australia, where Ishan Kishan, replacing him as the opener, was dismissed for a golden duck, leading to a top-order collapse. Despite this early setback, India managed to recover, thanks to the remarkable 165-run partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, eventually securing a six-wicket victory with 52 deliveries to spare.
In the year 2023, Shubman Gill has showcased exceptional form in ODI cricket, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in India’s batting lineup. His consistent performances with the bat have made him a valuable asset for the team. Gill’s ability to amass runs at an impressive average and contribute crucial innings, including a remarkable century, has solidified his reputation as one of India’s promising talents in the ODI format.
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Shubman Gill has amassed 1230 runs with an average of 72.35 in 2023. In this process, he has scored five centuries and five half-centuries. Gill is currently the No.2 Batsman according to the ICC ODI Rankings. His absence will certainly raise a lot of questions given the form he is in this year.
India will face arch-rivals Pakistan on 14th October in Ahmedabad, and Shubman Gill might not be taking part in that match as he is still not fit. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma will be opening the innings for India in Gill’s absence.
