Ahead of their 2023 World Cup campaign opener against Australia in Chennai on October 8, Team India suffered a huge setback as star opener Shubman Gill was ruled out of the game due to sickness.

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

India’s next World Cup match is scheduled against Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Wednesday (October 11).

With two days remaining for the fixture, news agency ANI has reported that Gill may also sit out against Afghanistan but he is set to travel with the team to Delhi.

"Shubman Gill is recovering and he will be traveling with the team to Delhi,” ANI quoted a source as saying.

“He will be with the team and is not likely to go to his home in Chandigarh for rest. We hope that he will be back on the field before the match against Pakistan, and playing against Afghanistan will depend on his next medical report," the source added.

Ishan Kishan replaced Shubman Gill in India’s playing XI for the game against Australia but the southpaw failed to make a mark. Kishan was dismissed by Mitchell Starc for a golden duck.

Talking about the match, India registered a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Australia at Chepauk.  

Chasing 200 to win, the Men in Blue found themselves in deep trouble at 2/3 after two overs. However, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul added 165 runs for the fourth wicket to put India in driver’s seat.

While Virat fell after scoring 85 off 116 balls, Rahul held the one end firmly and remained unbeaten on 97 off 115 balls alongside Hardik Pandya (11*) to take India home with 8.4 overs to spare.

(With ANI Inputs)