It has been confirmed that Shubman Gill, India’s top-ranked ODI batsman, will not be able to participate in the opening match of the Cricket World Cup against Australia due to a dengue infection. Gill is currently suffering from a high fever and will undergo a test for dengue infection on Friday. A final decision will be made after the results of the test are received. This news was reported by PTI, who had earlier reported that Gill was suffering from high fever.
“Shubman Gill has had high fever since landing in Chennai. His tests are being done. He will have tests on Friday and a call will be taken on his participation in the opening game,” said a BCCI source. It usually takes 7-10 days to recover from dengue before a player is fit to play again.
However, if the platelet count drops significantly, it can take much longer. While Gill may not start against Australia, there is a good chance he won’t play against Afghanistan (October 11) and Pakistan (October 14) if his recovery takes longer. The final decision will be made by the medical team. The source emphasized, “Let’s not jump the gun. If it’s a normal viral fever he could play on antibiotics, but its completely the medical team’s call.”
Who Will Open the Innings in Shubman Gill’s Absence?
Shubman Gill has scored 1230 runs in ODIs so far this season, with an impressive average of 72.35 and strike rate of 105.03. He has scored 2 centuries and 3 half centuries in his last 4 ODIs, two of which came against Sunday’s visitors, Australia.
Either Ishan Kishan or KL Rahul is likely to open the innings with captain Rohit Sharma if Gill is ruled out of India’s ODI World Cup opener. Kishan has three half-centuries in five ODIs this year, including a magnificent 82 against Pakistan at number 5. Rahul last opened in an ODI in August 2022, against Zimbabwe, with captain Rohit Sharma. Overall, he has opened 23 times in ODIs, scoring 915 runs at an average of 43.57.
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