Rahul Dravid provides a fitness update on Shubman Gill ahead of India’s crucial ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 First Match.
As India prepares to kickstart their campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with an eagerly anticipated clash against Australia on October 8th in Chennai, the team received a mixed bag of news regarding the fitness of their opening batter, Shubman Gill.
Recently, it was reported that Gill was at risk of missing the first two crucial matches against Australia and Afghanistan due to concerns of him testing positive for dengue. This news had raised concerns within the Indian cricket camp, as Gill’s absence could have a significant impact on the team’s performance.
However, in a recent press conference, Indian head coach Rahul Dravid provided a ray of hope for fans and the team. Dravid revealed that Shubman Gill’s condition has improved, and he is showing signs of recovery from the fever that has plagued him since his arrival in Chennai. As a result, Gill is not completely ruled out of the opening game.
Gill’s fever had forced him to miss India’s practice sessions on Thursday and Friday. To determine the nature of the illness, he underwent a series of tests, although Dravid did not specify whether it was a viral fever or dengue fever. The medical team is closely monitoring Gill’s progress, and the decision regarding his participation in the match against Australia will be taken day by day.
Dravid shared, “Shubman Gill is certainly feeling better, feeling better today, the medical team is monitoring. We will keep monitoring him on a day-to-day basis, and the Medical team has not ruled him out. There are 36 hours to go, and we will wait till the last moment.”
Shubman Gill has been an integral part of India’s ODI squad, delivering remarkable performances in the format. This year alone, he has been the team’s prolific run-scorer, amassing five centuries and five half-centuries in just 20 ODI innings. Gill’s outstanding double century against New Zealand in the Hyderabad ODI earlier this year stands as a testament to his batting prowess.
In the event that Shubman Gill is unable to play in the opening game, Ishan Kishan is the likely candidate to fill the opening slot alongside Captain Rohit Sharma, while KL Rahul will maintain his position in the middle order with the responsibility of wicket-keeping. Shreyas Iyer is set to take on the role of the number 4 batter.
Ishan Kishan’s recent performances as an opener in the 50-overs format, including four consecutive half-centuries in the last two months, have showcased his ability to make a significant impact at the top of the order.
As the countdown to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 opener continues, Team India, management, and fans will be hoping for Shubman Gill’s swift recovery, as his presence could be a game-changer in the tournament. The final decision on Gill’s participation will be closely watched as the team strives to start the tournament on a winning note.
More from Wisdom Imbibe:
- Who is Aryan Dutt? Know The Rising Star of Netherlands Cricket in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
- Pakistan Dominates the Netherlands in ICC Men’s World Cup 2023: Overs 21-30 Highlights
- ICC Men’s World Cup 2023: Pakistan Loses First Wicket Early.
- Pakistan vs Netherlands ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023: Preview, Playing XI, Where to watch, Weather Report.
- Rachin Ravindra (Net Worth): The Rising Star of New Zealand Cricket
- New Zealand Crushes England in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Opener.
- Devon Conway: A Journey from South Africa to New Zealand Stardom
