Shubman Gill, who has been battling Dengue Fever, has been hospitalized in Chennai. The India opener was admitted to Kauvery Hospital on Monday morning and is currently under the care of medical specialists at the facility. Dr. Rizwan Khan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) doctor who has been traveling with the team, is also attending to the young opener, who missed India’s first World Cup game against Australia on Sunday.
Cricbuzz has learned that Gill’s platelet count has been low for some time, which is the reason he did not accompany the team to Delhi, where India is scheduled to play against Afghanistan on Wednesday. Medical advice given to the team management is to avoid flying when the platelet count is down. Earlier on Monday, the BCCI issued a statement confirming that Gill will not be available for the Delhi game.
“Team India batter Shubman Gill will not be travelling with the team to Delhi on 9th October 2023. The opening batter who missed the team’s first fixture in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia in Chennai is set to miss the team’s next fixture against Afghanistan in Delhi on the 11th of October. He will stay back in Chennai and will be under the supervision of the medical team,” the BCCI statement said.
It has been understood that not many members of the Indian team have seen Gill since they arrived in Chennai on October 4. He has been at the team hotel, where doctors from Kaveri Hospital have been conducting his blood tests and monitoring his platelet count.
It is still uncertain whether Gill will be available for the highly octane match against Pakistan in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Gill’s absence was deeply felt on Sunday night, and the team management is hoping that he will recover in time to play against their arch-rivals, particularly given his impressive track record at the Narendra Modi Stadium while playing for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.
Sources suggest that Gill could be discharged and return to the hotel if his condition improves. If things take a positive turn with his health situation, he may fly directly to Ahmedabad to rejoin the squad.