Shubman Gill, a key player for Team India, has been sidelined due to dengue and missed the initial two matches of the 2023 World Cup. While Gill is still on the path to full recovery, former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh reached out to him, providing motivation for the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan scheduled for October 14 in Ahmedabad.
The upcoming match against Pakistan holds immense significance for the Indian team, as it represents one of the most intense rivalries in world cricket. Although India aims to field their best XI against their arch-rivals, there remains uncertainty regarding Shubman Gill’s availability for this pivotal encounter.
In an exclusive interview with News18, Yuvraj Singh revealed that he had a conversation with Shubman Gill, encouraging him to participate in the game against Pakistan. However, he acknowledged the challenges of recovering from dengue, remarking, “I’ve played with dengue twice, and I wasn’t in good shape during the 2011 World Cup. So, rise up and play because it’s a crucial game.” Yuvraj Singh added, “He would play if he felt better. But bouncing back from a viral infection or dengue is truly demanding. It drains your body. I’m eagerly anticipating seeing him in action.”
Shubman Gill’s absence was keenly felt by the Rohit Sharma-led side in their initial World Cup 2023 encounters against Australia and Afghanistan. The Indian top order suffered a collapse, with Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer all departing for ducks. Gill’s presence could have significantly improved the team’s performance, given his exceptional technique against the new ball. Additionally, he has been the highest run-scorer for Team India over the past 12 months.
The Pakistani team is likely to approach the match aggressively, particularly with their formidable new ball bowlers such as Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Haris Rauf. Shubman Gill’s inclusion could potentially make a substantial impact, considering his current form and capabilities.
