‘Gabbar ko bula lo’ – Fans react as Indian Cricket Board reportedly looking for cover player for Shubman Gill

India’s opening batter Shubman Gill has been dealing with Dengue in the last few days. He missed the big game against Australia on October 8. While the right-hander has been under the supervision of the medical team, the Indian team management is looking for a cover for him. Apparently, the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad can be in the mix.

Notably, both played for the Indian side that was bound for the Asian Games 2023 cricket competition. The team, like their women’s counterparts, won their maiden Gold medal. Both batters had a great run of form in the quarterfinal and the semifinals that India won. Meanwhile, as reported by The Indian Express, one of them can make it to the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023.

Given the nature of Dengue disease and the gap between the Afghanistan and Pakistan games, the 2018 U19 World Cup winner might not play against Pakistan on October 14. If that is the case, the team might look towards either Jaiswal and Gaikwad. Notably, during any Apex Council event (whether T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy), teams have to take the governing body for permission to name a replacement player.

Shubman Gill to stay back in Chennai till recovery: Indian Cricket Board

Meanwhile, India won their opening game of the ongoing tournament against Australia. The Men In Blue will play their next game against Asian neighbors, Afghanistan on October 11 in Delhi. While Gill wasn’t supposed to play this game anyway, he has been advised to stay back in Chennai.

“The opening batter who missed the team’s first fixture in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia in Chennai is set to miss the team’s next fixture against Afghanistan in Delhi on the 11th of October. He will stay back in Chennai and will be under the supervision of the medical team,” Indian Cricket Board secretary Jay Shah said in its statement.

This is how Twitter reacted