India have suffered a big blow even before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shubman Gill is in severe doubt for the opening Test match at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
The 25-year-old batter sustained a finger injury while fielding in the intra-squad match simulation at the WACA on Saturday (November 16). According to the Times of India (TOI), Gill was fielding in the slips when he hurt his finger. He walked off the field and did not return.
In fact, he was taken for scans which revealed a fracture on his thumb. Hence, with the first Test just six days away, Gill looks a doubtful starter. However, the Indian team management is hopeful that he will regain full fitness before the second Test which starts on the 6th of December in Adelaide. He recently missed the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru due to a stiff neck.
“Yes, Shubman Gill is injured and has fractured his thumb while fielding during the match simulation. He went for scans after receiving attention from the medical team and the scans revealed a fracture. He looks highly doubtful for the opening Test but should be okay for the 2nd Test,” a well-known source was quoted saying to TOI.
Gill’s absence may only add to India’s worries. KL Rahul was hit on the elbow on the first day of the match simulations. The extent of his injury is unknown. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma who recently had the birth of his second child is yet to fly to Australia and his availability for the first Test is not confirmed yet.
Virat Kohli good to go
Even Virat Kohli underwent scans a couple of days ago. However, the former skipper has been declared fit. He batted decently in the match simulation and in the nets.
“Virat Kohli is absolutely fine. He batted in the match simulation without any discomfort and also had a hit in the net after he got out. No concerns there,” a source revealed to TOI.
If Gill, Rahul and Rohit are not available for the first Test, India may have to field a top six which comprises of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. Among these, only Kohli and Pant have the experience of playing in Australia.
The Indian team are grinding it out in the lead-up to the first Test which starts on the 22nd of November. They’ve had a couple of intense net sessions before they moved to match simulations on the centre pitch and that will go on for three days.
