India faces a major setback as star batter Shubman Gill is unlikely to feature in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth on November 22. Gill, a crucial player in India’s batting lineup, has suffered a fractured left thumb during an intra-squad match simulation. His injury has put India’s top-order batting under intense pressure, especially if Rohit Sharma also misses the match.
Gill suffered injury during practice match
The injury happened on the second day of a practice session when Gill’s thumb got hurt while fielding. He is experiencing a lot of pain and has taken off from the field for scans, which confirmed the fracture. The right-handed batsman is unlikely to recover in time, as thumb fractures usually take a minimum of two weeks to heal and for him to resume training, as per a BCCI official. The second Test in Adelaide on December 6 offers a potential return of Gill but his absence for the Perth Test can leave India with limited options.
Team India selection issues
Gill’s absence will not only affect the team’s stability at number three but will also remove a potential backup opening option in case Rohit Sharma doesn’t play. The situation is further worse as KL Rahul’s elbow was bruised during the same practice match. However, Rahul’s injury is being taken care of but he also did not attend the second day of fielding.
In case of Gill’s absence, Abhimanyu Easwaran can make his Test debut. The team’s plans also depend on Rohit Sharma’s decision to rejoin the team after the birth of his baby boy. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, who has had an impressive Ranji Trophy stint is likely to join the squad before the second Test.
(With inputs from PTI)
