Shubman Gill's World Cup spot in doubt amid health issue as selectors to take call on his replacement

Team India seemed to be becoming increasingly concerned about the developments surrounding Shubman Gill's health every hour. After recovering from a case of dengue fever, the star opener was released from the hospital in Chennai on Monday night. This is good news for Rohit Sharma and his team, as they are currently in New Delhi ahead of Wednesday's match against Afghanistan. 

However, Gill is still doubtful for the World Cup match against Pakistan, which takes place at his favourite stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, the most recent discovery regarding the young player comes as a severe blow, with sources suggesting that Gill's World Cup participation may now be in doubt as selectors prepare to decide who will replace him.

Gill was the most productive batsman in the Indian lineup going into the 2023 World Cup, having amassed 1230 runs at a rate of 72.35, the highest of any player in the format this year, along with five hundreds and as many fifties. However, before he could start his campaign—which the world of cricket is still waiting for given the potential he has showed over the past nine months—Gill suffered from a high fever upon arriving in Chennai and subsequently tested positive for dengue.

The 24-year-old has been formally ruled out of Wednesday's Afghanistan match after missing India's opening match against Australia. Even days after a negative test for the infection, dengue tends to leave the body debilitated, despite Gill and the rest of the Indian team's optimism that he will recover from the vial infection this week. And that pretty much means he can't play against Pakistan. He may possibly be absent from the October 19 match in Pune against Bangladesh.

According to a PTI report, in light of Gill's health concerns, the selectors may decide whether to hold out for a Gill substitute. As a backup opener, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who made a half-century in Mohali while being chosen as an opener during the Australia series, will be preferred, ahead of left-handed batting prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal. In the recently finished Asian Games competition, when India won gold, both were in outstanding form.

Ishan Kishan started in place of Gill in the starting lineup for the first game, however he did not have a good start. The left-hander will have another opportunity to show his value in the Afghanistan match before the action moves to Ahmedabad for the pivotal Pakistan match.