‘End all speculations. Shubman Gill will definitely play vs Pakistan in Ahmedabad’: Ex-India chief selector

Due to his quick recuperation, Shubman Gill is a strong candidate to make an appearance in India's starting lineup for the World Cup 2023 match against Pakistan on Saturday in Ahmedabad. Gill has virtually little chance of being available for the Pakistan match till Tuesday. 

After all, he had only been released from the hospital the previous evening. However, things started to look up by Wednesday night when Gill left Chennai straight for Ahmedabad and showed up for his first practise session in almost a week on Thursday morning.

Gill appeared to be in a cheerful mood in video that Star Sports broadcasted before going to the nets at around 11:30 in the morning. Team India physio Kamlesh and throwdown expert Nuwan Seneviratne were with him. Gill played in the Motera nets for about an hour. When no other Indian player was available, he faced local net bowlers and took throwdowns. The fact that he appeared to be completely at ease was the nicest aspect. The 24-year-old also took some catches at the conclusion of the practise to improve his fielding abilities.

Gill will practise with the rest of the Indian cricket team for the second time this Friday evening, with over twenty-four hours to go before the Pakistani match. There's no reason to think he can't make his World Cup debut on Saturday if he performs well. This also implies that the management of the Indian squad has given up on the idea of drafting Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad as backups.

"I believe we can put a stop to rumours of all types. Shubman Gill (against Pakistan) will definitely play in this match. He is simply too skilled to be left out. It was only a fever. He is now well. The idea that we may consider replacements was in no way menacing. Whatever sort of story you are hearing, it's all rumours about how serious the condition is," former India chairman of selectors MSK Prasad told hindustantimes.com.

For precautionary reasons, Gill did not travel to Delhi for India's match against Afghanistan, according to Prasad. According to what we've been told, he was alright but couldn't play the second game out of prudence. As a precaution, he remained in Chennai for an additional day. 

After making a full recovery, he was released. Check to see if someone is playing for one ball, which indicates he is healed. This matchup with Pakistan is crucial. He ought to be in India's playing XI if he is healthy, which I'm confident he is," he continued.

Gill's incredible track record at the Modi Stadium

India would benefit greatly if Gill played versus Pakistan for two reasons. Ishan Kishan lacks Gill's stability even though he can perform admirably at the top of the order. Furthermore, Gill now holds the second-best record in Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. Gill hasn't played an ODI at this location yet, but in the three Tests and one T20I he has played here, he averages 93 and has two hundreds.

And to top it all off, he played for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, which is his home ground. He amassed a tonne of runs at this location during the previous championship.

"He has played his franchise cricket on this pitch. Every blade of grass on this earth is known to him. Here, he is skilled at getting runs. He ought to play given his track record at this venue and his performance over the last 12 months. We didn't need him in the first several games, particularly against Afghanistan. 

The others completed the task, but Pakistan is also coming off of two victories at this point. We should enter with the strongest lineup possible. Naturally, Ishan performed admirably in the second game, but having someone like Shubman Gill in the lineup adds another match-winning player to the starting lineup. He doesn't have to come out swinging in this T20 match. 

He can take his time, position himself, fill the crease, and observe the outcome. I would love to see him in the starting lineup," the former India batsman and keeper stated.

However, Nasser Hussain, the former captain of England, advised the Indian team management to exercise caution while considering the length of this event. "I believe you need to consider the wider picture. Take care of the boy. He stated, "It's a big game, so if he says he's okay, he has to play, but India needs to be mindful of the humidity and heat."