World Cup 2023: Will Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya play against Australia? Revealed

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India will commence their ICC World Cup 2023 journey with a tie against the mighty Australia on Sunday (October 23). But there have been issues which has hampered team India's preparation ahead of this monumental clash.

India's prime batter Shubman Gill has been hit with dengue. Although India coach Rahul Dravid said the batter can still be fit for the Australia clash, there is a cloud of uncertainty looming large on the Indian player.

Will Shubman Gill play?

And the Indian captain Rohit Sharma has echoed the same on Gill on Saturday in the pre-match press conference. The India captain denied that Gill is ruled out, but also made it clear that the player is still having his illness.

"Gill is not feeling well, giving him every chance to see how he feels. Not ruled out yet. Shubman Gill is sick, I feel for him. I want him to be well. As a human being first, not as captain. He is a young boy, has fit body and he will recover," Sharma said.

Hardik Pandya Fitness Update

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya has also left the Indian team on the ropes with his latest issue.

Pandya injured his finger while practising in the nets last Thursday(October 5), causing uncertainty regarding his presence in the forthcoming vital encounter.

Nevertheless, as per recent updates on Saturday, it seems that Pandya has demonstrated an exceptional recovery and is currently considered ready to partake in the first match against Australia.

Pandya's availability will be crucial for India as it is likely that Shubman Gill will have to sit out the first match in Chennai. If Gill is unable to play, then Ishan Kishan will come into the side and the southpaw may have the opening duties along with captain Rohit Sharma.