NEWS
Follow UsTwo days before India’s encounter against Australia at the M. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India suffered a massive blow, with Shubman Gill testing positive for dengue. The opener is reportedly weak after catching the fever, and there’s no certainty about his availability for the all-important Australia clash.
“Shubman has had high fever since landing in Chennai. His tests are being done. He will have tests on Friday and a call will be taken on his participation in opening game,” a BCCI source told PTI.
“Let’s not jump the gun. If it’s normal viral fever, he could play on antibiotics, but it’s completely the medical team’s call,” the source said.
Gill is the most prolific batter for India in the ODI format in the last one year, averaging 72.35 in 2023 at a strike rate of 105.03. In 20 innings, he has five centuries and as many half-centuries, including a double century against New Zealand in Hyderabad. Last month, he played a very important role in India beating Australia by scoring a 74 and 104 in two matches he participated in.
In case Gill is actually ruled out, it may pave the way for India to open with Ishan Kishan alongside Rohit Sharma, with Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul batting in the middle-over.
