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Shubman Gill to Miss India’s World Cup Clash Against Afghanistan

Indian cricket team’s ace opener, Shubman Gill, has been confirmed to miss the forthcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match against Afghanistan, scheduled for Wednesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Battling an illness, Gill was also sidelined for India’s opening match against Australia.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement on Monday announcing Gill’s unavailability. “Team India batter Shubman Gill will not be travelling with the team to Delhi on 9th October 2023,” the BCCI statement highlighted. Contrary to previous speculations that he might travel with the squad and only skip the game against Afghanistan, the board clarified that he would stay back in Chennai, remaining under the vigilant eye of the medical team.

Gill’s absence from the lineup is a significant setback for the Indian team, given his recent stellar performances in ODIs. He ranks second in the MRF Tyres ODI Batter Rankings, trailing just behind Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam.

However, with Gill sidelined, it provides an opportunity for young talent Ishan Kishan to solidify his spot at the top of the order alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. Kishan replaced Gill in India’s previous match against Australia, where India triumphed with a 6-wicket victory, largely credited to a brilliant partnership between KL Rahul and Virat Kohli.