ICC ODI World Cup: Shubman Gill hospitalized, unlikely to return before IND vs PAK match

Shubman Gill now appears to be poised to miss India's pivotal encounter against Pakistan on Saturday after being confirmed to sit out in Team India's 2nd game in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The batter is still recuperating from dengue. For the first time, the BCCI addressed Gill's health on Monday and said that the 24-year-old did not travel to Delhi with the team, where India will play Afghanistan on Wednesday.

According to reports, Gill has been hospitalised in Chennai after a drop in his platelet count and is currently being treated in Kaveri Hospital.

3 things you need to know

• Shubman Gill is unlikely to feature in the game against Pakistan
• The match is scheduled to take place on October 14, 2023
• Gill is down with Dengue fever

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Shubman Gill set to miss out on the clash against Pakistan

As reported by Cricbuzz, Gill's low platelet count has caused concern, compelling medical professionals to recommend treatment and caution against flying. Dr. Rizwan Khan, a physician employed by BCCI, is currently looking after the situation of Gill in Chennai. Gill arrived in Chennai with the rest of the Indian team but has been missing from action since October 4, the day before India's World Cup opener against Australia.

Dengue fever comes with complications. If the infection harbors the body then it takes time for it to leave. Medications would eventually make things better for Shubman Gill, but the weakness does not wave off instantly. Thus, even if Gill's condition improves, he may not get the clearance to travel with the team to Ahmedabad. Opposed to this,  if his condition substantially improves in the next couple of days, the lack of practice and the loss of weight may still keep him on the sidelines. Therefore, as things stand Shubman Gill is unlikely to feature against Pakistan.

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IND vs PAK: Who could be the likely replacement?

Considering Shubman Gill is the leading run-scorer for India in this calendar year, the unfortunate news comes as a major setback to Team India. In his absence, Ishan Kishan was given the World Cup debut cap but the left-hander failed miserably, as he got out on a golden duck. Kishan may get a chance to redeem himself. But if not him, then Suryakumar Yadav could also receive a call-up.