India opener Shubman Gill, currently battling dengue, has been hospitalized in Chennai due to a drop in his platelet count below 100,000, a PTI report said. His participation in the high-profile World Cup clash against Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 14 remains uncertain.
Gill, who tested positive for dengue shortly after arriving in Chennai last week, has been unwell for the past week and will also be sidelined for India’s upcoming match against Afghanistan on Wednesday.
Gill receives intravenous treatment
A source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), speaking on the condition of anonymity, disclosed to PTI that Gill has been receiving intravenous treatment at the Chennai team hotel for the past few days. However, his platelet count decreased to 70,000. As is common with dengue patients, admission to a medical facility becomes a precautionary measure when the count falls below 100,000. He will be discharged once his count surpasses 100,000, the source said. Gill has been admitted to Chennai’s renowned multi-care specialty hospital Kauvery, reported PTI.
India vs Pakistan: Will Gill be able to participate?
With only 96 hours left until the Pakistan match, Gill‘s health takes precedence for the Indian team management. He must be in a healthy condition for the demanding tournament.
Dengue can significantly weaken the body, and even for a top-tier athlete, recovery from such an illness takes time to prepare for the rigorous demands of a tournament like the World Cup.
Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized Gill’s well-being as the top priority, saying that he sympathizes with him. “I mean obviously, he is sick. I feel for him. But in terms of, you know, me being the human being first, I want him to get well, not the captain thinking, oh, I want Gill to play tomorrow. No, I want him to get well he you know he’s a young guy he’s got fit body so he’ll recover he’ll recover quick,” Rohit had said before the game against Australia.