Team India’s opener Shubman Gill is all but guaranteed to be ruled out of the England series. The youngster suffered an internal injury during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand. The nature of the injury is yet to be revealed but he has damaged either his calf, or his hamstring.
He will undergo a surgery if necessary, according to a source. His participation after going under the knife is improbable as the England series is just about a month away. Though India isn’t short on the opening options, Gill was their primary choice. However, it now looks like Mayank Agarwal or KL Rahul could be making a comeback to the Test side.
In a conversation with TOI, a source explained that the injury was of serious concern and the BCCI is doing everything in its power to get the 21-year-old Shubman Gill the best possible treatment in England.
“Shubman is very upset right now. The injury looks bad. BCCI is contacting the best professionals to get Shubman treated in England. While the team management wishes that he recovers in time for the series, it looks unrealistic. It needs to be seen if he needs a surgery,” the source was quoted as saying to TOI.
Hanuma Vihari could be tried as an opener
While the Indian team went in with back-up options for the opening slot, the source stated that Hanuma Vihari could be the ideal option granted Mayank doesn’t perform well. He also reckoned the team is keen on trying KL Rahul in the middle order.
“Rahul’s game against the new ball has not been up to the mark over the last year. He could be a very good option down the order. The team management could try Hanuma Vihari as an opener if Mayank doesn’t perform as per expectations. Vihari has shown the ability to play out the new ball,” the source said.
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