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India have been handed an injury setback ahead of the 1st Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru as star batter Shubman Gill is doubtful for the game.
Shubman Gill is doubtful for the 1st Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. (Photo: Getty Images)
New Delhi: India have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the 1st Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru as star batter Shubman Gill is reportedly doubtful for the game. India are set to lock horns with the Kiwis in the first Test of the three-match series at the Chinnaswamy Stadium starting Wednesday, October 16. Gill’s participation in the Test match is in doubt due to a stiff neck.
As per a report in India Today, the batter was complaining of neck and shoulder pain and informed the team management about his niggle on Monday. A final call regarding his participation in the Test match will be taken on Wednesday morning.
Gill has been a vital cog in the Indian Tets batting line-up over the last few years. After cementing his spot in the team as an opener, Gill has been asked to bat at no.3 and has done reasonably well so far in the role. The prolific right-hander was in dazzling form in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh last month where he notched up 164 runs in 2 matches, including a century.
Gill would have been hopeful of continuing his fine form in the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand at home. However, his latest injury setback has raised doubt about his participation in the series opener. It remains to be seen if the right-hander will be declared fit on match day on Wednesday to take the field in the Bengaluru Test.
Who can replace Shubman Gill?
In case Gill fails to make the cut, India don’t have a like-to-like replacement for him at no.3. However, the hosts can promote KL Rahul from no.5 to no.3 and utilise the likes of Dhruv Jurel or Sarfaraz Khan at no.5 in the middle order. India can also ask Virat Kohli to bat at no.3 in Gill’s absence while utilising Rishabh Pant at no.4.
India also have the choice of opting for an extra all-rounder in Axar Patel, who can slot into the middle order in case Gill fails to make it to the XI due to his neck and shoulder pain. India will be heading into the first Test on a confident note having thrashed Bangladesh 2-0 in the recently concluded series to bag their 18th straight Test series victory at home.
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