Shubman Gill spends night in hospital, set to miss India vs Pakistan World Cup encounter: Report

Shubman Gill is set to miss the marquee India vs Pakistan World Cup clash as the 24-year-old’s platelet count dropped below 1,00,000 per microliter, said a report. The right-handed batter had been down with dengue fever and missed India’s opening fixture against Australia in Chennai.

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As per CricketNext, the 24-year-old was hospitalised on Sunday “for observation” but returned to the hotel to recuperate a day later.

“Gill’s platelet count dropped below 1,00,000 and he was hospitalised a day before – October 8 – for observation purpose. Nothing alarming there as he is already back in the hotel on October 9 and continues to receive treatment there. Ever since he has landed in Chennai, all his treatment – from regular dose of glucose and other procedures – has been happening in hotel only,” CricketNext reported.

The right-hander is also not part of India’s setup for the fixture against Afghanistan in Delhi and hasn’t travelled with the team.

“Travel to Delhi would have meant consulting a new facility and doctor in Delhi. The management didn’t want that to happen and kept him back in Chennai to avoid any needless travel too. He is expected to join the team only when clearance comes from the doctor. Right now, he is under constant watch of BCCI medical team and the doctors in Chennai, who have been treating him ever since he came to Chennai,” added the report.

The report claims it is unlikely he would be part of the match between India and Pakistan on 14 October in Ahmedabad even though he’s responding well to the treatment and is speedily working towards full fitness.

“Gill’s vital signs are improving and he is on the right path of recovery – 70-80% recovered. Difficult to say when he will return but things are looking good,” says the source.

In a statement issued on 9 October, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had said that he will remain in Chennai under the supervision of the medical team.

Coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey have maintained that he’s recovering well and showing improvement.

“Gill is not 100%, but he’s sick. So, there’s no injury concern. Gill is not feeling well. We are monitoring him on a daily basis. So, we’re going to give him every chance to recover and see how he feels. So, he’s not ruled out yet,” Rohit had said at pre-match presser.

When asked if Gill’s health was a worry, Rohit said, “No, it doesn’t worry. I mean obviously he is sick. I feel for him. But in terms of, you know, me being the human being first, I want him to get well, not the captain thinking, oh, I want Gill to play tomorrow. No, I want him to get well he you know he’s a young guy he’s got fit body so he’ll recover he’ll recover quick.”

A day before Rohit’s comments, coach Dravid too spoke on similar lines and said he is being monitored by the medical team on a daily basis.

“He’s certainly feeling better today. The medical team is monitoring on daily basis. We have 36 hours, we’ll see what decision they take. He’s certainly feeling better today,” Dravid said two days before the India vs Australia fixture.

Without Gill, Ishan Kishan opened against Australia and was dismissed for a duck. With the right-hander set to be on the sidelines further, a settled pairing of Rohit Sharma and Gill has been dismantled with pressure on Kishan to deliver.