In what can be a huge blow to Team India before their ODI World Cup campaign even gets underway, Shubman Gill looks like a doubtful starter.
According to reports, the opening batter is down with high fever and will be tested for dengue on Friday. A call on his participation in match vs Australia, scheduled on Sunday, will be taken after the reports are out.
A BCCI source close to team developments told News18, '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.'
Physical recovery of dengue patients vary and it normally takes around 7-10 days to be up and match ready. If Gill tests positive, he might miss more than 1 game for Team India. In case that happens, Ishan Kishan could be a possible replacement at the top.
However, the BCCI source refused to rule him out just yet.
'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 added.
Gill is India's most prolific batter in ODIs and is the highest run-getter in the format in 2023. He has smashed 1230 runs at an average of over 72, including 5 hundreds and as many half-centuries. Gills strike rate of over 105 is also impressive.