Shubman Gill will definitely play vs Pakistan in Ahmedabad’: Ex-India chief selector

Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad believes that Shubman Gill is ready to play against Pakistan

Oct 13, 2023 - 07:57

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Shubman Gill will definitely play vs Pakistan in Ahmedabad’: Ex-India chief selector

Due to his prompt recuperation, Shubman Gill is in strong physical condition to potentially make his World Cup 2023 debut against Pakistan on Saturday in Ahmedabad. Gill had a negligible chance of being available for the Pakistan match until Tuesday.

In fact, he had been released from the hospital less than the previous evening. However, the situation improved by Wednesday evening when Gill travelled directly from Chennai to Ahmedabad for a practice session on Thursday morning—his first in over a week.

Gill appeared cheerful in Star Sports-broadcast footage of him hurrying to the nets at approximately 11:30 a.m. Team India physiotherapist Kamlesh and throwdown specialist Nuwan Seneviratne accompanied him.

Gill spent nearly an hour batting in the Motera frames. Despite encountering throwdowns and a few net bowlers, he exhibited no apparent signs of physical distress. The 24-year-old completed the session by capturing a few balls in an effort to improve his fielding abilities.

Shubman Gill started practice at Narendra Modi Stadium

Gill, along with the other Indian cricketers, will participate in his second round of full-fledged practice sessions on Friday evening, with over twenty-four hours remaining until the Pakistan match. There is no reason to believe he cannot make his World Cup debut on Saturday if he performs well.

Furthermore, this signifies that the Indian team management has abandoned any plans to select Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad as substitutes. "I believe it is possible to dispel any and all rumors of speculation. Without a doubt, Shubman Gill will participate in this match (against Pakistan).

His prowess as a performer renders him indispensable. His only ailment was a fever. His health has improved. It in no way constituted a threat that we would consider alternatives. "Whatever form you are hearing, it is all rumors that are circulating (about the severity of the illness)," hindustantimes.com was informed by former India chairman of selectors MSK Prasad.

Prasad stated that Gill abstained from traveling to Delhi in advance for India's match against Afghanistan as a precaution. "According to what we heard, he was unable to play in the second game out of an abundance of caution, but was otherwise healthy. Precautionarily, he chose to remain in Chennai for an additional day. Following a speedy recovery, he was discharged. Observe whether an individual is playing for one barrel, as this indicates that he has recovered. This match against Pakistan is of the utmost importance. "I am certain he is in good physical condition; therefore, he ought to be in India's starting XI," he further stated.

In contrast, former England captain Nasser Hussain advised the Indian team management to exercise prudence with regard to the length of this tournament. "I believe it is necessary to consider the broader picture. Observe the youngster closely. "It's a crucial match, so he must play if he declares himself healthy, but India must be mindful of the heat and humidity," he added.