By Swapneel Deshpande October 10, 2023
As the 2023 ICC World Cup unfolds, the Indian cricket team faces a potential setback with the news of star opener Shubman Gill’s health concerns. Gill, who has been in exceptional form in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2023, has been diagnosed with dengue fever, casting doubt on his availability for critical matches in the tournament.
According to reports from The Indian Express, Gill’s condition has led to his exclusion from India’s second World Cup game against Afghanistan, and his participation in the high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Pakistan is also in jeopardy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously announced that Gill would not travel with the squad to Delhi due to his ongoing fever. He was hospitalized in Chennai after complaining of fatigue and was advised to undergo 48 hours of rest before further assessment.
In the event that the team management decides to seek a cover for Shubman Gill, the selection committee has reportedly identified two potential candidates: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Gill’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, and it is speculated that his recuperation may take more than a week.
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Gill’s absence could have significant implications for India’s World Cup campaign, given his stellar performance in ODIs throughout 2023. In the opening match against Australia, his replacement, Ishan Kishan, was dismissed for a golden duck, highlighting the void left by Gill’s absence. The team management is likely hoping for Gill’s return by the fourth game of the tournament, which is scheduled against Bangladesh on October 19.
The challenge lies in Gill’s recovery, as dengue-related weakness can persist and potentially delay his comeback even after the fever subsides. With India’s 2023 World Cup squad featuring stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, Gill’s return to full fitness is imperative for the team’s success in the tournament.
Indian cricket fans worldwide eagerly await updates on Gill’s health and his potential return to the playing XI, as his presence at the top of the order has been a key factor in India’s ODI successes this year.
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