Young opener Shubman Gill is “99% available” for the India vs Pakistan ODI Men’s World Cup 2023 match in Ahmedabad on Saturday, confirmed skipper Rohit Sharma on the eve of the much-awaited game.
Gill has missed the opening two matches of the ongoing tournament due to illness. He was even admitted to a hospital in Chennai earlier this week to help with his recovery.
The 24-year-old Gill did not travel to Delhi with the India squad for Tuesday’s match against Afghanistan. However, he flew directly to Ahmedabad to meet up with his teammates.
After arriving in Ahmedabad, Gill batted in the nets on Thursday itself in a bid to be ready for the game.
Addressing the pre-match press conference, India skipper was optimistic on Gill’s fitness.
“99 percent he (Gill) is available. “We’ll see tomorrow (Saturday) about that,” said Rohit.
Gill is expected to take part in the full-fledged practise session on Friday evening with the rest of the players, after which the team management will make a decision on his inclusion in the team.
In absence of Gill, Ishan Kishan has opened the India innings with captain Rohit in the first two matches. However, he hasn’t been able to make that much impact with the bat.
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the largest cricket stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators. And, Rohit feels it will work in their favour.
“All guys are used to play in front of big crowds, it can only work in your favour not against you. Boys really enjoy… anywhere we go, people come out in huge numbers,” said Rohit.
Notably, both Asian teams share a rich cricketing history. While Pakistan dominate India head-to-head in the ODI format, with 73 wins to their name as compared to 56 losses, the “Men in Blue” have an enviable record in the Cricket World Cup.
Ever since their first-ever World Cup match in 1992, India haven’t lost a single World Cup game against Pakistan.