Shubman Gill Doubtful For First Test Against New Zealand Due To Injury

Indian cricket sensation Shubman Gill , who has already scored three centuries in eight Test matches in 2024, is now in doubt for the opening Test against New Zealand . The first match in the three-Test series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on October 16 at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. A report from India Today revealed on Tuesday that Gill might miss out on the game after he reported neck and shoulder pain .

On Monday, the 25-year-old top-order batter informed the team management of his discomfort, and his participation in the match will only be confirmed on Wednesday morning, pending further assessment.

India does not have a direct replacement for Gill in the No. 3 position. If he is unable to play, either KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan may step in for this critical role.

Since making his Test debut on December 26, 2020, against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Gill has emerged as a reliable player in India's batting lineup. So far this year, he has played eight Tests, accumulating 662 runs, including three centuries and two half-centuries.

In his most recent Test match against Bangladesh, Gill top-scored for the team with a century in the second innings, contributing significantly to India's win under Rohit Sharma 's captaincy.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, while speaking at a press conference on the eve of the Test series opener, also shared troubling news regarding pace bowler Mohammed Shami ’s fitness.

“Honestly, at this point, it’s difficult to say whether Shami will be fit for this series or even the one against Australia. He’s had some swelling in his knee, which is unusual,” Rohit said.

“He was nearing full fitness, but the swelling in his knee set him back a little in his recovery process. Right now, he’s at the NCA (National Cricket Academy), working with the medical team,” he added.

Rohit stressed that the team management is keen on ensuring Shami’s full recovery before bringing him back to international cricket.

“We have our fingers crossed. We want him to be completely fit before he returns to play. Rushing him back too early won’t be wise, especially with a pacer like Shami who has already missed quite a bit of cricket recently. It’s not easy for a fast bowler to return and instantly perform at their best after a long break,” Rohit explained.