Shubman Gill Sidelined by Dengue Ahead of 2023 World Cup Clash with Australia

Shubman Gill, India’s opening batsman, has been ruled out of the first match of the 2023 World Cup against Australia due to dengue. Gill, who was expected to partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease and is undergoing treatment.

Gill recently scored 178 runs in two matches against Australia, which is going to give some ease to the Australian side, but it might leave a big impact on the Indian Team.

Gill’s absence has opened up a spot for either Ishan Kishan or KL Rahul to partner Rohit Sharma in the opening game in Chennai on October 8. Kishan and Rahul have experience opening in limited-overs cricket and have performed well in recent times.

Gill did not participate in the practice sessions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday and Thursday, raising concerns about his fitness.

“under the weather” and that the medical team was “closely monitoring” him. However, it was later confirmed that he had contracted dengue
BCCI had initially said that Gill

Gill’s unavailability is a blow for India, who are looking to win their third World Cup title on home soil. Gill has been a consistent performer for India in ODIs, scoring 1917 runs in 35 matches at an average of 66.10 and a strike rate of 102.84. He has also formed a solid opening combination with Rohit, with whom he has shared four-century stands and three half-century stands in 13 innings. They also created a record for scoring the fastest 1000-run partnership between themselves, which Rohit and Rahul previously held.

Ishan Kisan is likely to replace Gill in the match against Australia, as he played quite well in the Final of the Asia Cup and recently scored 31 against Australia because Rahul is well-settled at number 4 for the Indian team.

India will play Australia on October 8th at MA Chidambaram Stadium, but Gill might be back in the team for the Afghanistan Fixture, which will be played on October 11th at Arun Jaitley Stadium.