IND vs AUS: BCCI finally reveals reason behind Shubman Gill injury, fails to provide Return Date

BCCI has finally revealed the reason behind Shubman Gill's absence in the 1st Test between India and Australia.

India is up against the Aussies in Perth in the first of the five-match Test series. Gill, who was certain to start, has missed out due to an unforeseen injury just days before the match.

The Indian team management arranged a simulation Test at the WACA as a part of their preparation, and Gill reportedly injured his finger during fielding in that match. Gill's absence meant India had to replace him and Devdutt Padikkal has been given an opportunity.

Amid that, BCCI has confirmed that Shubman injured his thumb during the 2nd day of the simulation, which in turn has kept him out of the first Test.

"Shubman Gill sustained a left thumb injury during Day 2 of match simulation at The WACA. He was not considered for selection for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy," a statement from BCCI read on X.

Although the India batter is being tipped to make a return ahead of the second Test, BCCI couldn't provide a timeline for his possible return date.

"The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress on a daily basis," the statement added.

While the extent of the injury has not been fully detailed, sources suggest that the 24-year-old could miss at least the first two matches of the series, depending on the progress of his rehabilitation.

Gill's unavailability is a significant blow to the Indian team, especially given his form in recent months. Known for his ability to provide solid starts, his absence has forced India to reconfigure their batting lineup, with KL Rahul and young Yashasvi Jaiswal opening in Perth.

But India will breathe a sigh of relief as captain Rohit Sharma is set to join the team on Sunday (November 24). Rohit is missing the Perth Test due to the birth of his second child, but the India skipper will be flying to Australia in the weekend.