Shubman Gill, 24, is set to miss India’s 2023 World Cup match against Pakistan since his platelet count has fallen below 100,000 per microliter. While this is not a worrisome figure in dengue, it is lower than average. The Indian opener was admitted to the hospital “for observation” the day before but has already returned to the hotel where he is resting and healing.
“Gill’s platelet count dropped below 1,00,000 and he was hospitalized a day before – October 8 – for observation purposes. Nothing alarming there as he is already back in the hotel on October 9 and continues to receive treatment there. Ever since he has landed in Chennai, all his treatment – from a regular dose of glucose and other procedures – has been happening in hotel only,” a source told CricketNext.
Shubman Gill is likely to miss the game against Pakistan
The right-hander did not go to Delhi for the team’s forthcoming encounter against Afghanistan, and with only two days between the contest against Afghanistan and the high-profile match against Pakistan in Ahmedabad, Gill is likely to remain out for some time. It has also been revealed that Gill did not board the trip to Delhi since the doctor and medical team who were treating and monitoring him were from Chennai, and the management was unwilling to pursue an alternative path in Delhi.
“Travel to Delhi would have meant consulting a new facility and doctor in Delhi. The management didn’t want that to happen and kept him back in Chennai to avoid any needless travel too. He is expected to join the team only when clearance comes from the doctor. Right now, he is under constant watch of BCCI medical team and the doctors in Chennai, who have been treating him ever since he came to Chennai,” adds the source.
It is currently quite doubtful that he will participate in the game against Pakistan, but he is responding well to treatment and is progressing quickly.
“Gill’s vital signs are improving and he is on the right path of recovery – 70-80% recovered. Difficult to say when he will return but things are looking good,” says the source.
There has been no formal comment from BCCI or team management as of now
The Indian team management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have yet to comment on Gill’s illness, and the media update released on October 9 only stated that he will remain in Chennai under the care of the medical staff.
Coach Rahul Dravid, skipper Rohit Sharma, and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey all stated that he is improving and recuperating well.
“Gill is not 100%, but he’s sick. So, there’s no injury concern. Gill is not feeling well. We are monitoring him on a daily basis. So, we’re going to give him every chance to recover and see how he feels. So, he’s not ruled out yet,” Rohit had said at the pre-match presser.
When asked if Gill’s health was a worry, Rohit said, “No, it doesn’t worry. I mean obviously, he is sick. I feel for him. But in terms of, you know, me being the human being first, I want him to get well, not the captain thinking, oh, I want Gill to play tomorrow. No, I want him to get well you know he’s a young guy he’s got a fit body so he’ll recover quick.”
A day before Rohit’s remarks, coach Dravid made similar remarks, stating that he was being followed by the medical team on a daily basis.
“He’s certainly feeling better today. The medical team is monitoring on a daily basis. We have 36 hours, we’ll see what decision they take. He’s certainly feeling better today,” Dravid said two days before the India vs Australia fixture.
A big opportunity for Ishan Kishan
In Gill’s absence, Ishan Kishan batted first against Australia but was out for a duck. With the right-hander certain to miss a few more games, the established opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Gill is now fractured, and Ishan must perform in a position where he has spent the majority of his career.
The aggressive southpaw was training for a middle-order spot, where he performed against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023, but will now have to make a swift change to deliver at the top of the order.
Shubman Gill, Team India’s batter, will not be traveling to Delhi on October 9, 2023. The opening batsman who missed the team’s first ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Australia in Chennai is scheduled to miss the team’s second match against Afghanistan on October 11th in Delhi.