ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Massive blow for India as Shubman Gill doubtful for Australia clash with dengue

Shubman Gill is reportedly tested positive for Dengue and could miss India's first two games.

Team India have suffered a huge setback before their opening encounter against Australia at Chepauk Stadium. India’s opening batter Shubman Gill is likely to miss India’s opening game in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia due to dengue. Gill has reportedly tested positive for dengue. Gill has missed the Indian practice session as well in Chennai. He has had a high fever since landed in Chennai. India’s opening encounter will be played on Sunday. 

Shubman Gill is India’s leading run-scorer across formats in international cricket and his absence will play a huge part in the Indian opening combination. A BCCI source informed, “Shubman has had a high fever since landing in Chennai. His tests are being done. He will have tests done on Friday and a call will be taken on his participation in the opening game.” According to a few news reports, Gill has tested positive for Dengue. 

To recover from Dengue, 7-10 days are usually required and Gill might miss the first two league games for India in World Cup 2023. India will play their opening game against Australia in Chennai on 8th October and then they will be travelling to the national capital in Delhi and take on Afghanistan. Shubman Gill is likely to miss these two games and will make a comeback against Pakistan at his favourite ground in Ahmedabad. 

Ishan Kishan to open for India

This will also make India make some forced changes in their fixed playing XI. In Gill’s absence, Ishan Kishan will be getting the opportunity as an opener along with skipper Rohit Sharma while KL Rahul will be playing in the middle order. Shreyas Iyer will bat at number 4. Ishan Kishan did a great job as an opener in the previous two ODI series for India in West Indies and the Asia Cup 2023 as a middle-order batter. 

Shubman Gill has been a powerful performer for team India in ODI format. Gill is currently India’s leading run-scorer with 5 centuries and 5 half-centuries in 20 ODI innings this year. Gill was expected to be India’s key player against Australia. World Cup 2023 has begun with a blockbuster clash between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad. New Zealand defeated England by a huge 9-wicket margin.