Daily Times

NEW DELHI: India started their World Cup 2023 campaign in an excellent manner with a fine victory over Australia at Chennai. Their bowlers were exception to skittle out Australia for a paltry 199 after which the batting unit did get off to a shaky start but thanks to a 165-run partnership between KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, India got across the finish line.

After their first victory, the entire Indian team will be brimming with confidence ahead of their second World Cup clash against continental neighbours, Afghanistan. The Afghans will be hoping for a turnaround of the tide after a meek defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in their tournament opener. Their batters failed to showcase their prowess as only Rahmanullah Gurbaz showed some promise with a 47 in their modest 156. Despite a decent show from Azmatullah Omarzai with the ball, Bangladesh coasted home without breaking a sweat.

India will continue to be without their key opener, Shubman Gill, who is still to get fit from a bout of dengue. The belief will obviously be that the Men in Blue will be heading to the game with an unchanged XI from that against Australia, with the onus on the top order to get back into form.

Indian cricketer Shubman Gill is likely to be absent from the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the 2023 World Cup due to a drop in his platelet count to below 1,00,000 per microliter. Though not considered alarming for dengue, this count is lower than normal. Gill was hospitalized for observation but has returned to his hotel for rest and recovery.

The 24-year-old batter didn’t travel to Delhi for the upcoming match against Afghanistan, and with only a two-day gap between that match and the high-profile fixture against Pakistan in Ahmedabad, he is expected to be sidelined for additional time. Gill remained in Chennai for treatment due to the medical team’s preference and to avoid unnecessary travel.

Gill is expected to rejoin the team once he receives clearance from his doctors. While it’s highly unlikely he will play against Pakistan, Gill is responding well to treatment and is on the path to recovery, having shown significant improvement.

“Gill’s platelet count dropped below 1,00,000 and he was hospitalised a day before – October 8 – for observation purpose. Nothing alarming there as he is already back in the hotel on October 9 and continues to receive treatment there. Ever since he has landed in Chennai, all his treatment – from regular dose of glucose and other procedures – has been happening in hotel only,” a source reported.

There has been no official announcement from the Indian team management or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding Gill’s condition. Coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma, and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey have indicated that Gill is not ruled out yet, emphasizing his ongoing recovery and improvement.

“Gill is not 100%, but he’s sick. So, there’s no injury concern. Gill is not feeling well. We are monitoring him on a daily basis. So, we’re going to give him every chance to recover and see how he feels. So, he’s not ruled out yet,” Rohit said at pre-match presser.

“No, it doesn’t worry. I mean obviously he is sick. I feel for him. But in terms of, you know, me being the human being first, I want him to get well, not the captain thinking, oh, I want Gill to play tomorrow. No, I want him to get well he you know he’s a young guy he’s got fit body so he’ll recover he’ll recover quick,” he further added.

Gill’s absence is significant as he has been India’s most in-form batter, showcasing remarkable performances this year with an average of 72.35 and a total of 1230 runs. Gill’s track record at the Narendra Modi stadium is impressive, scoring 572 runs from 9 matches, including three fifties and two centuries, at a remarkable strike rate of 172.80. Although he hasn’t played an ODI at this venue, his notable performances in T20Is and Tests underscore his proficiency on this ground.