Shubman Gill, the Indian cricket team's opener, to miss the World Cup match against Afghanistan due to illness

NEW-DELHI: In a setback for the Indian cricket team, opener Shubman Gill has been ruled out of India's upcoming World Cup match against Afghanistan, scheduled for Wednesday. Currently under medical supervision in Chennai, Gill's absence comes as a blow to the team's preparations for the crucial match.

Following the team's arrival in Delhi from Chennai on Monday, Gill, who was previously sidelined due to illness during India's first match against Australia, did not travel with the rest of the squad. The Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) had confirmed Gill's illness before the match against Australia but did not provide further details at that time.

In a recent update, the BCCI stated, "Team India batsman Shubman Gill will not join the team in Delhi on October 9, 2023. Gill, who missed the team's first match against Australia in Chennai in the Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 due to illness, will also be unavailable for the upcoming match against Afghanistan on October 11 in Delhi. He will continue to be in Chennai and receive medical supervision from a team of doctors."

During the match against Australia, Ishan Kishan replaced Gill in the lineup, contributing to India's victorious outcome with a six-wicket win. Despite a challenging start where key players like Ishan, Rohit Sharma, and Sheas Iyer couldn't make an impact, Lokesh Rahul and Virat Kohli's stellar partnership of 165 runs secured India's triumph.