Shubman Gill likely to miss India's world Cup match against Australia

Shubman Gill has tested positive for dengue and hence is most likely to miss the match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Oct 6, 2023 - 09:49 Updated: Oct 6, 2023 - 15:12

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Shubman Gill likely to miss India's world Cup match against Australia

Shubman Gill, India's in-form opener, tested positive for dengue on Friday, two days before the team's ICC World Cup opener against five-time champion Australia, and will therefore likely miss the match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

According to ANI, Gill has been suffering from dengue fever and has been ailing. If the star batsman is unable to play, it could be a major setback for India, who are looking to get off to a perfect start, particularly after their stunning 2-1 victory over Australia a week ago.

This year, Gill has been in outstanding form across all formats. This year, he has made 20 ODI appearances for India, scoring 1230 runs, the most by any batsman in the format in 2023, at an average of 72.35, with five centuries, including a record double century en route to 208, and five half-centuries.

With dengue fever requiring a maximum recovery period of seven days, Gill may also miss India's second World Cup match on October 12 against Netherlands, as the management wants the star batter to return to full fitness before the crucial match against Pakistan at his preferred venue, Ahmedabad.

Who will open with Rohit Sharma against Australia?

In Gill's absence, close companion Ishan Kishan would partner the captain as the opening batsman against Australia. This would also provide India with the left-right combination at the top of the order that has been discussed by veterans such as Ravi Shastri.

Ishan has been in remarkable form this year, scoring 409 runs in 13 innings, including four fifties, and displaying the ability to bat at any position in the batting order. Three of his half-centuries - 52, 55, and 77 in the West Indies ODI series - were scored while batting at the top of the order, while he scored 82 against Pakistan in India's Asian Cup opener while batting at No. 5.