Hosts India are all set to kick-off their World Cup campaign against five-time champions Australia in a much-anticipated clash at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday (October 8).

On the eve of the match, India skipper Rohit Sharma addressed a press conference, where he admitted that his partner Shubman Gill is unwell but has not been ruled out of the opening fixture.

The BCCI is yet to confirm the nature of Gill’s illness, but media reports claim that the classy right-hander is suffering from dengue.

If Shubman fails to recover, Ishan Kishan is likely to replace him at the top of the order against Australia.

“The mood is pretty good. We have come well prepared and quite confident. Shubman Gill is not 100%. He is not fit but sick. We are monitoring him. He is still not ruled out,” Rohit told reporters.

Shubman Gill has dominated the 50-over format like no other this year. In 20 ODIs, he has aggregated 1230 runs at a staggering average of 72.35 and a strike rate of 105.03 with five hundreds, which also includes a double ton against New Zealand.

The Indian captain wished for Gill’s speedy recovery. “It doesn’t worry me but I feel for him. With me being a human being first, I want Shubman to get well soon. He’s a young guy, fit body so hopefully he’ll recover quickly,” he added.

On a separate note, Rohit Sharma acknowledged Australia’s strong World Cup record but stressed that India would rather focus on their strengths.

“What we have done in past will not matter. Australia being Australia, we know how they step up in World Cups. We will focus on our strengths and assess the conditions and how you want to bat and what line and lengths to bowl. Everything is going to be crucial,” he remarked.