Shubman Gill Injured in Perth Match Simulation, Likely to Miss Border-Gavaskar Trophy Opener - Report

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Team India dealt another blow ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy as batter Shubman Gill suffered an injury when fielding in slips during the intra-squad match simulation in Perth on Saturday (November 16).

As per reports, Gill hurt his finger while taking a catch in slips during the India vs India A match simulation, and is in doubt for the 1st Test vs Australia, starting from November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

The reports further added that the player will be assessed for three days before taking a final call on his participation in the series opener, but the batter is likely to be fit and available for the second Test in Adelaide.

Gill's injury is a concern for India as it comes after KL Rahul suffered a blow to his elbow on Friday (November 15), and the possibility of skipper Rohit Sharma also remaining doubtful for the Perth Test.

Gill and Rahul were among the front-runners to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal in the series opener. But the injury to the duo comes just a week before the contest. Former head coach Ravi Shastri had also backed Gill to be promoted to take the opener's slot.

Times of India reported that Gill is not completely ruled out of the first Test as they quoted a source as saying, ""Yes, Gill is injured but it is too early to rule him out of the opening Test. The medical team is keeping a close watch on him."

However, in some more good news, Rohit may be available for the Perth Test after the birth of his second child. Rohit and his wife Ritika Sajdeh were blessed with a baby boy on Friday (November 15) night, and there is a possibility that the skipper will make it to the Perth Test against Australia starting November 22.

If Gill does not pass the fitness test and Rohit is not available for selection for the Perth clash, Team India will be forced to hand Abhimanyu Easwaran a debut or they could also use Dhruv Jurel as a pure batter in the middle order.