IND vs AUS: Shubman Gill Down With Dengue, Doubtful For Opener Against Australia

Shubman Gill, India's most prolific batter in ODIs in recent times, is reportedly down with a high fever. He might not be open for the IND vs. AUS World Cup 2023 match.

Days ahead of the much-awaited India versus Australia clash at the ODI World Cup 2023 in Chennai, there is bad news for the hosts. Opening batter Shubman Gill is likely to miss the high-octane clash due to dengue. The stylish batter has tested positive for dengue as per a report on the Indian Express. This would be a massive setback for the hosts because the young Turk has been in ominous form lately in white-ball cricket. With Gill likely to sit out for the game on Sunday, it would be interesting to see who opens with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order - will it be Ishan Kishan or KL Rahul?

Gill tested positive for dengue earlier this week and another round of tests will take place on Friday. His selection in the playing 11 for Sunday's opener vs. Australia will depend on the test results.

"Shubhman has had a 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 the opening game," a BCCI source privy to team developments told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

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India will undoubtedly suffer without Shubman. This year, especially in the ODI format, he has been in fantastic form. Not to mention, Shubman finished with a total of 890 runs to lead the Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL 2023) in run scoring. With a total of 302 runs, he also finished the Asia Cup 2023 as the top run-scorer. Shubman has hit 104, 74, 27 not out, 121, 19, 58, and 67 not out in the most recent innings. Shubman struggled in the West Indies, but he rebounded brilliantly following that slump.