If Shubman Gill is unable to play against Australia in the 2023 World Cup, there are 3 reasons why India need not be concerned
Introduction
In the cricketing world, news of Shubman Gill‘s possible absence due to dengue has sent shockwaves through the Indian cricket team and its fans, especially with the highly anticipated clash against Australia in the 2023 World Cup on the horizon. Gill, known for his red-hot form in ODIs, faces uncertainty about his availability for the opening match. While his absence may initially be seen as a major setback, it’s essential to delve into the multifaceted aspects of this situation. In this comprehensive article, we will explore in detail three key reasons why Shubman Gill’s potential absence might not be as detrimental to Team India as it initially appears.
India’s Excellent Backup Opener: Ishan Kishan
One of the primary reasons for optimism in the Indian camp is the presence of an exceptional backup opener in Ishan Kishan. While Kishan was initially considered for the No. 5 position, Gill’s absence provides an opportunity for him to return to his favored opening position. Kishan boasts impressive numbers as an opening batter in ODIs, with an astounding average of nearly 75 and an impressive strike rate of 125 in seven innings. Moreover, his performance as an opener in T20s, both for India and in the IPL, has been nothing short of stellar.
Kishan’s experience and ability to form a potent right-left combination with Rohit Sharma make him a strong candidate to replace Gill at the top of the order. The prospect of these two explosive openers walking out to bat together can instill fear in any bowling attack. Kishan’s adaptability and aggressive style of play can provide India with the early impetus they need to set the tone in the powerplay overs. Thus, while Gill’s absence is regrettable, Kishan’s capabilities ensure that India’s opening partnership remains formidable.
Blessing in Disguise for Middle Order Cohesion
Interestingly, Gill’s potential absence could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for India in terms of achieving better role clarity in the middle order. Recalling the 2019 World Cup, India faced significant challenges due to injuries to key players, resulting in a lack of match practice and cohesion in the middle order. These issues ultimately culminated in a disappointing semi-final exit against New Zealand.
With Gill unavailable, India will be compelled to make a definitive decision regarding the No. 5 position, with players like Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav vying for the spot. This early exposure in a high-pressure World Cup match could serve as a pivotal moment for solidifying the middle order. It provides an opportunity for the chosen player to acclimatize to the conditions and build crucial partnerships with the senior members of the team.
Furthermore, the competition for the No. 5 spot can ignite a healthy rivalry within the team, fostering a spirit of excellence and pushing players to perform at their best. This internal competition can elevate the overall performance of the middle order, ensuring that India’s batting lineup remains strong and dependable throughout the tournament. Consequently, Gill’s absence may inadvertently contribute to enhancing the team’s cohesion and competitiveness.
Gill’s Struggles on Slow and Turning Tracks
Shubman Gill’s exceptional form notwithstanding, there is one area where he has encountered difficulties – performing consistently on slow and turning tracks. His struggles on such pitches were evident during the West Indian tour and in his previous appearances on the Chepauk wicket in Chennai. These challenges have raised concerns about his ability to adapt to varying conditions, particularly against strong bowling attacks like that of Australia.
With Australia possessing a potent bowling attack, Gill’s absence in Chennai, where the pitch traditionally assists spinners and slows down as the match progresses, might not be as significant as initially feared. His replacement, Ishan Kishan, boasts the potential to adapt better to such conditions. Kishan’s versatility and ability to rotate strike could make him a valuable asset in these challenging conditions.
Additionally, Kishan’s experience in IPL, where he has faced a plethora of international bowlers in diverse conditions, equips him with the skills and temperament to thrive in a World Cup scenario. His capacity to counter spin and take calculated risks can make him an effective opener in challenging environments, such as those presented by slow and turning tracks.
Conclusion
In summary, while the absence of a key player like Shubman Gill is always a cause for concern, a closer examination reveals that there are several compelling reasons why Team India need not excessively worry about it. The presence of an exceptional backup opener in Ishan Kishan, the potential benefits of better middle order cohesion, and Gill’s struggles on specific types of wickets all contribute to minimizing the impact of his potential absence.
With the depth of talent in the Indian squad and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, they have the resources and capabilities to overcome any challenges that may arise. As the 2023 World Cup unfolds, it will be intriguing to observe how Team India adapts to this situation and performs in the absence of Gill. Whether it’s Kishan seizing the opportunity to shine or the middle order strengthening its foundations, Indian cricket fans can remain hopeful and optimistic about their team’s prospects in this highly anticipated tournament.
