Star Indian batter Shubman Gill, who has already smashed three centuries in eight Tests in 2024, is in doubt for the opening Test against New Zealand. The first of the three-match series is set to begin at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, October 16. A recent report from India Today revealed that Gill has been dealing with neck and shoulder pain, casting uncertainty over his participation in the crucial game.
The 25-year-old informed the team management about his discomfort on Monday, and a final decision regarding his availability will be made just before the match. Gill’s absence would leave a significant gap in India’s lineup, particularly as there isn’t a direct replacement for his role as the No. 3 batter. Should he miss the match, KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan are likely to step in at this pivotal position.
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Shubman Gill has been a consistent performer for India since making his Test debut on December 26, 2020, against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His recent form has been outstanding, with three centuries and two fifties in 2024, accumulating 662 runs in just eight matches.
Shubman Gill 🇮🇳❌
According to reports, he may miss the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru due to a stiff neck. 👀 pic.twitter.com/agv7ZnjbPW
— CricXtasy (@CricXtasy) October 15, 2024
His century in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh last month was a standout performance, helping India secure a dominant position. Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared another worrying update on star pacer Mohammed Shami ahead of the Test series. According to Rohit, Shami’s availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is still uncertain due to a knee injury that has hindered his recovery.
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“To be honest, right now, it’s pretty difficult for us to make a call on him, whether he’ll be fit for this series or the Australia series. He recently had swelling on his knee, which was quite unusual,” Rohit Sharma said during a press conference. Shami is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), working closely with physiotherapists and doctors to regain fitness.
Rohit emphasized the importance of having a fully fit Shami back in action rather than rushing his return. “We don’t want to bring an undercooked Shami to Australia; that is not going to be the right decision for us,” he concluded.
