Indian opener Shubman Gill missed the first two matches of the ongoing World Cup 2023 as he tested positive for dengue. Gill stayed back in Chennai and did not travel to Delhi as he was unwell and recovering at the hospital. Ahead of India’s high-octane clash against Pakistan, Gill has reached Ahmedabad and had his first net session. However, Gill’s participation is still in doubt. Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh revealed that he inspired Gill to quickly join the side with his World Cup 2011 story.
"Shubham Gill ko maine tagda kar diya hai [I have strengthened Shubham Gill]. I told him that I had played in the World Cup while battling cancer, so I got ready quickly to join the team. Hopefully, he will be ready for the India vs Pakistan game. When you have a fever and dengue it is really tough to play a cricket match and I have experienced that. So I hope that if he is fit then he will definitely play," Yuvraj told ANI.
Yuvraj battled cancer and even vomited blood during his century against West Indies. The southpaw contributed with both bat and ball and played a vital role in India lifting the World Cup trophy after 28 years. He was named ‘Player of the series’ with 362 runs and 15 wickets in the tournament. 12 years later, India have another chance to win the World Cup trophy at home.
Gill faces a race against time to get fully fit for the Pakistan clash. Doctors usually suggest that dengue patients need two weeks to recover and get back to their routine. It will be interesting to see if he gets the nod to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma.
In Gill’s absence, Ishan Kishan opened the innings for India against Australia and Afghanistan. Kishan was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc as he went chasing after a delivery that was full and wide. In the following match, he contributed with a run-a-ball 47 and shared a crucial 156-run opening partnership with Rohit in the run chase.
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