Indian opener Shubman Gill has tested positive for dengue and is doubtful for the team’s opening World Cup match against Australia on Sunday. Gill, India’s most prolific batter in ODIs in recent times, had been down with high fever since landing in Chennai. He underwent tests on Friday, and the results confirmed dengue.
“Physical recovery of dengue patients vary and it normally takes around 7-10 days to be up and match ready,” a BCCI source told on the condition of anonymity.
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The Indian team management is monitoring Gill’s progress and will take a call on his availability after another round of tests. If Gill is ruled out of the match, it will be a major blow for India. The swashbuckling youngster has been the team’s most reliable scorer this year and has proven himself as one of the best openers in world cricket with an average of over 70 runs in ODIs.
Breaking 🚨
Shubman Gill tests positive for dengue, doubtful for India’s first game against Australia | CWC2023 @ThumsUpOfficial #ShubmanGill #icccricketworldcup2023 #ICCCricketWorldCup @debasissen @CricSubhayan #dengue pic.twitter.com/T2BVJdooiZ
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) October 6, 2023
Dengue to Shubman Gill! There’s no limit to hating mosquitoes. They have now started affecting India’s World Cup cup campaign too. World leaders should work together to eradicate it from this planet.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 6, 2023
In Gill’s absence, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are the two most likely candidates to open the innings with Rohit Sharma. Rahul is a more experienced player, but Kishan has been in better form in recent months. Gill’s potential absence is a “gut punch to India’s batting prowess,” according to the BCCI source.
“He has been the Indian side’s most reliable scorer this year and has proven himself as one of the best openers in world cricket at the moment,” the source said.
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If Gill is ruled out of the tournament, it will be a major setback for India’s World Cup campaign. Gill is a key player in the team’s batting lineup, and his absence will be difficult to replace. India will be hoping that Gill makes a speedy recovery and is able to join the team later in the tournament.
