In jolting news for Team India, in-form opening batter Shubman Gill has contracted dengue and might be sidelined for a few days. India will begin their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 tournament on October 8 against Australia in Chennai.
India team sources told Cricbuzz that Shubman Gill showed symptoms of dengue fever or infection while the team was in Guwahati for the first warm-up game on September 30. He promptly reported this to the team doctor, Rizwan Khan, and underwent tests upon the team's arrival in Thiruvananthapuram, where the team was to play the second warm-up game, against the Netherlands on October 3.
Though both the games were washed out due to rain, reports stated that Gill was available for selection for both games.
On Thursday evening, when he was taken for further tests in Chennai, it was confirmed that he indeed had Dengue fever. The severity of the fever is still being assessed, but team sources indicate that he is not experiencing extreme weakness or discomfort.
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Shubman Gill might undergo additional tests, with a focus on kidneys, as dengue fever can affect this vital organ. Team official made the following statement to Cricbuzz on Friday morning: "He's not feeling well, and the medical team is closely monitoring him. We are hopeful for his speedy recovery."
With the team management unlikely to risk him, he will likely be rested for India's World Cup opener against Australia at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. He may even miss the second game against Afghanistan in New Delhi on October 11.
With Gill possibly out of selection, it is expected that Ishan Kishan will open with Rohit Sharma against Australia. India also has KL Rahul, who has played as an opener and has a good record.
But Kishan brings the left-handed aspect to the game at the top and with Rahul possibly keeping wickets, the Karnataka batter might bat in the middle order.
The report further stated that India might field 3 spinners in their XI against Australia- R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. Chepauk's pitch is known to assist spin and India might go with two pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Hardik Pandya to assist.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
