As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 kicks off, the cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation. Still, for Team India, there’s an unexpected twist to their opening match against Australia on Sunday, October 8. In a shocking turn of events, India’s prolific opener, Shubman Gill, is reportedly grappling with a bout of dengue, casting a cloud of uncertainty over his participation in this crucial clash.
Shubman Gill has undoubtedly been the shining star of Indian cricket in 2023. His incredible form in One Day Internationals (ODIs) has left fans and pundits in awe. In just 20 ODIs this year, Gill has amassed a staggering 1230 runs, solidifying his position as the leading run-scorer in this format for 2023. His batting average of 72.35 and a strike rate of 105.03 are genuinely remarkable, showcasing his prowess and consistency.
Shubman Gill’s extraordinary performance in 2023 includes an impressive tally of five centuries and five half-centuries. This achievement places him in the elite league of Indian batsmen who have scored five or more hundreds in a single year—a club boasting cricketing legends like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. Gill’s consistency and ability to convert starts into big scores have been a game-changer for India.
Gill’s dominance in the cricketing arena extends beyond the ODI format. He emerged as the top run-scorer in the Asia Cup 2023, amassing 302 runs. This stellar performance played a pivotal role in India’s success in the tournament. Moreover, Gill is now on the cusp of claiming the coveted No.1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings for batters, a testament to his remarkable form.
Shubman Gill’s journey in 2023 isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about rewriting history. He stands a mere 665 runs away from surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 1,894 runs in a calendar year—a feat that would etch his name in cricketing folklore.
However, amid this dream run, the cricketing world received unsettling news. Shubman Gill is battling a bout of dengue, and the BCCI medical team is closely monitoring his condition. With another round of tests scheduled for October 6, a decision on Gill’s participation in the opening match against Australia hangs in the balance.
As speculation looms over Gill’s availability, India is considering its options. Should Gill be ruled out, the team may turn to Ishan Kishan to partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. Kishan, who has been in splendid form, showcased his mettle with a crucial 82 off 81 balls against Pakistan during the Asia Cup, earning accolades for his composure under pressure.
