Shubman Gill Hospitalized in Chennai, Doubts Loom Over World Cup Clash Against Pakistan
In a concerning turn of events, Indian cricket sensation Shubman Gill finds himself battling health issues on the road to the ICC World Cup 2023. The promising young batter, who has been the cornerstone of India’s recent successes, has been Shubman Gill Hospitalized in Chennai’s Kaveri hospital due to a significant drop in his platelet count.
Gill’s absence from the first two World Cup matches against Australia and Afghanistan had raised eyebrows, and now it seems increasingly unlikely that he will be able to make a swift return to the playing field. The much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday hangs in the balance as Gill continues his recovery from dengue fever.
On Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally addressed Gill’s condition, releasing a statement confirming that the 24-year-old did not accompany the team to Delhi, where India faced Afghanistan. However, what the statement did not reveal was that Gill had been admitted to a Chennai hospital due to his deteriorating health.
As reported by Cricbuzz, Gill’s low platelet count has raised alarm bells within the medical community, prompting experts to recommend focused treatment and advise against air travel. Dr. Rizwan Khan, a physician affiliated with the BCCI, is currently overseeing Gill’s medical care in Chennai. Gill’s absence from the team became apparent on October 4, just before India’s World Cup opener.
Dengue is a debilitating disease, and while the fever may subside, the weakness it leaves behind takes time to dissipate. Even if Gill’s health improves, and he is discharged from the hospital, the bigger question remains: will he be match-fit? Gill’s absence from practice sessions could further complicate his return. In a scenario where he rejoins the team in Ahmedabad on the 12th or 13th, he would have missed valuable practice sessions. Given this, the BCCI is unlikely to rush his comeback, considering the precedent set with Jasprit Bumrah’s return last year.
India now faces a formidable challenge if Gill fails to regain full fitness in time for the crucial Pakistan encounter. In his absence, Ishan Kishan was promoted to open with Rohit Sharma but endured a first-ball dismissal. While this could be attributed to a one-off failure, with Kishan having scored three consecutive half-centuries against West Indies in August, Gill’s absence remains a substantial setback. Not only is he India’s most in-form batter, boasting 1230 runs this year at an impressive average of 72.35, but Gill’s affinity for batting in Ahmedabad, his IPL home ground with the Gujarat Titans, further underscores his value to the team.
At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gill has amassed a staggering 572 runs from 9 matches, including a highest score of 128, featuring three fifties and two centuries. His blistering strike rate of 172.80 in Ahmedabad, comprising 52 fours and 23 sixes, speaks to his prowess on this pitch. Although Gill is yet to grace this venue with an ODI appearance, he has already etched his name in history with centuries in T20Is and Tests.
As the cricketing world holds its breath, hoping for Shubman Gill’s swift recovery, the Indian team faces a tense and uncertain road ahead in their quest for World Cup glory. Gill’s indomitable spirit and remarkable talent have been a beacon for Indian cricket, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt if he is unable to return in time to face Pakistan in what promises to be a cricketing spectacle for the ages.