India batter Shubman Gill will miss the team’s Cricket World Cup opener against Australia on Sunday as he was diagnosed with dengue, sources told media on Thursday. Gill, India’s most prolific batter in ODIs in recent times, is reportedly down with high fever and will be tested for dengue on Friday before a final call is taken on the matter. News agency PTI had earlier reported that Gill was down with high fever and will be tested for dengue on Friday before a final call is taken on the matter.
“Shubhman 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 privy to team developments told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
“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 report added.
Physical recovery of dengue patients vary and it normally takes around 7-10 days to be up and match ready.
Ishan Kishan could be in line to open in case Gill is ruled out. Gill is India’s top-scorer in ODIs in 2023, having scored 1,230 runs at an average of 72.35 and a strike rate of just above 105. He has scored five centuries and five fifties this year, with the best of 208.
Meanwhile, the ICC Cricket World Cup kicked off on Thursday, with New Zealand thrashing defending champions England by nine wickets in Ahmedabad.
(With PTI Inputs)
