Indian opener Shubman Gill’s availability for the World Cup opener against Australia remains uncertain due to an illness. Despite this uncertainty, skipper Rohit Sharma hasn’t ruled out the in-form batsman from the blockbuster clash between the hosts and the five-time world champions in Chennai.
India recently defeated Australia 2-1 in their final One Day International (ODI) series ahead of the ICC World Cup. They are set to face Pat Cummins and his team in the fifth match of the tournament at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Leading up to India’s opening match against Australia, there have been reports suggesting that Gill might miss the game due to illness. Rohit Sharma confirmed in a pre-match press conference that Gill is not in perfect health.
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“Gill is not 100 per cent, but he’s sick. So, there’s no injury concern. Gill is not feeling well. We are monitoring him on a daily basis. We’re going to give him every chance to recover and see how he feels. So, he’s not ruled out yet,” Rohit Sharma said in a pre-match press conference.
Rohit Sharma on Shubhman Gill said “It doesn’t worry me but I feel for him with me being a human being first I want him to get well soon”. pic.twitter.com/kAGqZcmF3y
— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) October 7, 2023
According to news agency ANI, Gill is suffering from dengue fever and the star batter is likely to miss India’s match against Australia. The Indian opener has been India’s standout performer in the World Cup year, especially in the ODI format. The 23-year-old has smashed 1,230 runs in the 2023 season – the most by any batter this year.
Averegaing 72.35, Gill has already notched up five centuries for the Men In Blue. Gill achieved a career-high world number two ranking in the ODI standings. If Gill is unavailable for the Australia encounter, Rohit is expected to open the Indian innings with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan in Chennai.
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“Gill has been India’s standout performer in the World Cup year, especially in the ODI format. The 23-year-old has smashed 1,230 runs in the 2023 season – the most by any batter this year.”
