Twitter erupts as Shubman Gill gets included in India playing XI vs Pakistan, makes ICC Cricket World Cup debut

Shubman Gill is India's leading run-scorer in the ODI format this year.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 biggest clash has begun at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are taking on each other in the World Cup event for the eighth time. In a piece of good news for Indian fans, Shubman Gill has marked his comeback in Indian playing XI, and he will be making his World Cup debut. Gill missed the first two World Cup games for India due to dengue fever.

Ahmedabad crowd cheered loudly when Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced Shubman Gill’s comeback in Indian XI. Rohit Sharma said at the toss, “Shubman Gill is back in place of Ishan; unfortunate for Ishan to miss out.” Away from the action in Ahmedabad, Indian fans on social media have also celebrated the return of India’s world-class opening batter, Shubman Gill. Gill’s name came in as the top trending on Twitter after the toss.

Here's how twitter reacted to Shubman Gill's comeback:

Shubman Gill missed out on the first two games of the World Cup

Shubman Gill tested positive for dengue after he landed in Chennai. He suffered from a fever and had to undergo treatment at a hospital in Chennai. Indian opener also didn’t travel to Delhi from Chennai for India’s second league game against Afghanistan. Gill landed in Ahmedabad on Wednesday and did practice along with Indian camp on Friday. As soon as he got fit, Gill was drafted back into the playing XI.

Shubman Gill has replaced Ishan Kishan in the playing XI. Kishan had a tough outing against Australia, as he was dismissed on duck by Mitchell Starc. In the next game, Kishan went on to accompany Rohit Sharma in his fastest World Cup century for India in the World Cup. Kishan scored 47 runs against Afghanistan. Indian captain Rohit Sharma was pleased with Ishan Kishan’s effort and said that he stood up when they needed him the most.

Shubman Gill has been in magnificent form in 2023. Gill has scored runs in almost every format he has played this year. Gill smashed 5 centuries and 5 half-centuries in 2023. He has also been India’s leading run-scorer in ODI format since January. Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first. Team India went in with three pacers and didn’t make any changes in their bowling attack. Dew will be there during the second innings.