The ICC World Cup 2023 kick-started with the blockbuster clash between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Black Caps kickstarted the tournament with a dominating 9-wicket win. The wait for the Indian game has been reduced to just two days now. The Men in Blue will be seen in action on 8th October when they will take on Australia in their opening game in Chennai.
ICC World Cup 2023: Shubman Gill down with dengue, doubtful for India vs Australia match – Reports
With the India vs Australia game in ICC World Cup 2023 just two days away from us, the Men in Blue have suffered a massive blow. Shubman Gill reportedly has tested positive for dengue and is doubtful for the game against Australia.
Shubman Gill has had a high-grade fever ever since he landed in Chennai and is not keeping up well. The reports have suggested that his availability for the India vs Australia game is under jeopardy and the call will be taken by team management after another round of tests on Friday (7th October).
If the reports emerge to be true and Shubman Gill will miss the game, it’ll be a huge setback for India. The young batter has been in the red hot form and is currently the leading run-getter in the ODIs this year with over 1200 runs to his name to go with 5 centuries.
Shubman Gill was in the sensational touch in the build-up of the ICC World Cup 2023. He was the leading run-getter in the Asia Cup 2023 and also won the Player of the Series in the recently concluded series against Australia.
The team management would be hoping Shubman Gill to recover as soon as possible. He will be a vital cog for India in the ICC World Cup 2023. If he bats in the way like he has been since a while, it’s fair to say that India will be the hot favourites to win the tournament.
ICC World Cup 2023: Ishan Kishan likely to open with Rohit Sharma against Australia – Reports
The reports also suggested that if Shubman Gill is ruled out of the game against Australia then Ishan Kishan is the front-runner to open the innings with captain Rohit Sharma. The left-hander also has been in a terrific form and has been smashing runs consistently for the team be it at the top or in the middle order.
The presence of Ishan Kishan also provides an opportunity for India to have a left-hander at the top of the order. The left-right combination has worked well for India over the years and they would be hoping that it pays off in the game against Australia.