Indian cricket fans were left in suspense as star opener Shubman Gill fell ill, casting doubt on his participation in the highly anticipated 2023 World Cup opener against Australia.
Reports surfaced on Friday just days before the match, that Gill might miss the game due to dengue fever. The youngster had showcased his prowess in one-day internationals, amassing an impressive 1,230 runs in 20 matches this year, with an average of 72.35.
Rahul Dravid’s Update on Gill’s Condition
In a press conference Indian head coach Rahul Dravid provided much-awaited update on Gill’s condition. Dravid stated that Gill was feeling better, but his availability for the Australia game was still uncertain.
The medical team continued to monitor his health closely, and a decision regarding his participation would be made in the next 36 hours. Dravid emphasized that Gill had not been ruled out yet, and his progress would be assessed day by day.
If Gill is unable to play, the team might consider promoting Ishan Kishan to the top order, partnering with Rohit Sharma in the opening innings. The absence of Gill could potentially reshape India’s strategy for the crucial match.
Surprising Start to the World Cup
In other World Cup news tournament kicked off with surprising turn of events. England, considered strong contenders for title suffered shocking defeat against New Zealand in the opening match. Jos Buttler’s team faced a daunting target of 283 runs, set by the Kiwis. However, they succumbed to a nine-wicket loss with over 13 overs to spare, leaving fans and experts alike stunned by the unexpected outcome.
