The first choice opening pair of India will no longer be seen in the first series of the new WTC cycle. The WTC cycle of India will start with the five-match Test series against England in England. India faced a huge blow because star opener young Shubman Gill will no longer be available for the series against England.

Meanwhile, a few weeks ago reports came out that Shubman Gill has suffered an injury. However, it was reported he will recover pretty quickly and miss the first few matches of the series. But now it has been revealed the injury concussed by 21-year-old Gill is a severe one.

Gill will be no longer part of the five-match England series and has been completely ruled out of the series. Opening batter Shubman Gill has suffered a shin splits and the expected recovery time for the injury is at least three months.

“Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the entire Test series in the UK with shin splints that will take minimum three months to heal,” a senior BCCI source was quoted saying to PTI.

Who will replace Shubman Gill?

After getting the complete information regarding the severe injury of Shubman Gill. A BCCI source confirmed to PTI that the administrative manager had been in talks with Chetan Sharma who is the chairman of the selector.

The Indian squad in England reportedly demanded two extra openers for the high-profile England Test series. The two most probable options are Prithvi Shaw and Devdutt Padikkal.

Meanwhile, the BCCI source confirmed that the BCCI president hasn’t received a formal request regarding sending the duo of Prithvi Shaw and Devdutt Paddikal to England.

“They are in Sri Lanka for the white ball series but obviously after it ends on July 26, both can be flown in. But I think team management wants them to join before entering the bio-bubble in Durham (on July 15),” said a BCCI source to PTI.

Team India already has two opening options in the United Kingdom; Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. India also has a wild card option in the name of 25-year-old Abhimanyu Easwaran. Easwaran traveled with the Indian squad as a reserve player.

BCCI will have to make a tough decision regarding opening a pair. Also flying the Duo of Prithvi Shaw and Devdutt Padikkal with not be an easy job for the team. India might go with the opening pair of Rohit Sharma alongside either of two Punjab Kings openers.

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