- Rohit Sharma is pleased with India’s World Cup readiness.
- Shubman Gill’s dengue illness raises doubts for the Australia match.
- Sharma is confident, emphasizes team strengths against Australia.
As India prepares for their ICC World Cup 2023 debut, skipper Rohit Sharma expressed contentment with the team’s preparation.
However, concerns loom over the health of young opener Shubman Gill, who is reportedly suffering from dengue. Despite being unwell, Gill has not been ruled out for the crucial match against Australia.
In a press conference, Rohit Sharma confirmed that the medical team is closely monitoring Gill’s condition, stating,
“The mood is pretty good. We have come well prepared and quite confident. Shubman Gill is not 100%. He is not fit but sick. We are monitoring him. He is still not ruled out.”
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Gill, the highest-ranked batter for Team India in the 50-over format, played a pivotal role in India’s recent triumph in the Asia Cup 2023 and the ODI series against Australia. The young opener is expected to make his World Cup debut against Australia in Chennai on October 8, but doubts persist due to his illness.
Expressing concern for Gill’s health, Rohit Sharma remarked,
“It doesn’t worry me, but I feel for him. With me being a human being first, I want Shubman to get well soon. He’s a young guy, fit body, so hopefully he’ll recover quickly.”
Acknowledging Australia’s formidable track record in World Cups, Sharma emphasized India’s focus on their strengths and adapting to the playing conditions. He stated,
“What we have done in the past will not matter. Australia being Australia, we know how they step up in World Cups. We will focus on our strengths and assess the conditions, including how we want to bat and what line and lengths to bowl. Everything is going to be crucial,”
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the clash between two powerhouse teams, India faces the challenge of adapting to Gill’s potential absence and ensuring a strong start to their World Cup campaign against Australia.
