3 players who can open for Team India against Australia if Shubman Gill gets ruled out

Before Team India face Australia in their opening ODI World Cup 2023 match, the hosts have faced a major blow. Young batter Shubman Gill is allegedly sick with dengue according to various reports. The kind of form Shubman Gill is in, it might a big loss for India at the start of the ODI World Cup 2023

If the gifted batter is going to be able to recuperate before time runs out for India’s match against Australia is still up in the air. The hosts might still play the match with skipper Rohit Sharma and a different opener if he is unable to be chosen.

3 players who can open for Team India against Australia

3) Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan (Source – Twitter)

Ishan Kishan is the primary choice for Team India at the opener’s spot if anybody gets ruled out. The left-handed batter has opened for the team recently during the Asia Cup 2023 final as well as the West Indies ODI series. He was in an impressive scoring form at the top and would be the likely choice for Team India.

The hosts would also get a lovely left-right combination if Ishan Kishan opens the batting for the team. This would also help the side to eradicate the threat of Mitchell Starc during the powerplay overs. His attacking threat can help India a lot during the opening stand with Rohit Sharma.

2) KL Rahul

KL Rahul (Source – Twitter)

KL Rahul has a knack of replacing injured or unwell Indian first choice openers at ODI World Cups. He took over the opener’s role during the ODI World Cup 2019 when he replaced Shikhar Dhawan. His amazing experience at the top can be considered by the Indian team management and he might be given a shot at the top.

KL Rahul is also in amazing form having hit a century on his comeback against Pakistan during Asia Cup 2023. The right-handed batter was crucial to the Indian batting during their recent series victory over five-time world champions Australia. His patient knocks can help India if he is sent out to open

1) Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer (Source – Twitter)

Shreyas Iyer is surely an unlikely choice to open along with Rohit Sharma but it is an alternative that can be considered. The Indian team management might just look at not changing the batting order of the other settled players. This would mean that Shreyas Iyer would get an opportunity at the top.

Shreyas Iyer has also been in good touch off late and hit an amazing century during the second ODI against Australia recently. The Kolkata Knight Riders batter usually bats in the top order. Thus adapting to the opener’s slot might not be an issue.