Twitter Reactions ODI World Cup 2023

'To phir kl kisko fever ya injury hogi' - Fans react as Rohit Sharma drops key update on Shubman Gill's availability for India vs Pakistan 2023 World Cup

Ishan Kishan, who opened alongside the Indian skipper in the first two matches, is likely to make way for Gill if he is announced in the playing XI.

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Mathew K
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Shubman Gill & Rohit Sharma

Shubman Gill & Rohit Sharma

The high-octane India - Pakistan match is set to take place on Saturday, October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. A day before the crucial encounter, Team India captain Rohit Sharma gave a major update on the availability of his opening partner Shubman Gill. There was much speculation about the youngster's participation in the match against the arch-rivals, however, Rohit said he is 99% available. 

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Gill, who had been suffering from high fever since landing in Chennai, was diagnosed with dengue fever. He missed India's opening match against Australia in Chennai and the following game against Afghanistan in Delhi. He was even admitted to the hospital after his platelet count dropped below one lakh. However, the 24-year-old made a quick recovery and was seen doing net practice in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

"We'll assess the pitch and conditions and then take a call on our playing combination and Shubman Gill is 99% available for selection tomorrow," Rohit said at the pre-match press conference in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Ishan Kishan, who opened alongside the Indian skipper, is likely to make way for Gill if he is announced in the playing XI. The southpaw went for a duck in his World Cup debut game against Australia but scored 47 runs against Afghanistan. Gill has been a crucial factor in India's ODI set-up this year. Currently No. 2 in men's ODI batting rankings, the right-hander has amassed 1,230 runs from 20 matches at a staggering average of 72.35. 

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Both teams will start as favourites: Rohit Sharma 

India and Pakistan will enter the match on the back of two consecutive victories. However, going by history, the Men in Blue have the upper hand. The Men in Green have never defeated India in an ODI World Cup match since their first meeting in 1992. Rohit, meanwhile, dismissed all such advantages and said both teams will enter the game as favourites. 

"I don't believe in psychological advantages. What happened in the past, is past. Both teams will start as favourites, both are equally better. We need to do well and carrying the momentum forward is important. We do believe in rhythm. Our bowlers have been in good momentum lately, they handled the pressure well and learnt a lot. We always discuss ticking the right boxes, always. It is nice to go into a World Cup to go with it." 

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Here's how fans reacted to Rohit Sharma's update on Shubman Gill's availability for the IND - PAK match:

featured ODI World Cup 2023 Shubman Gill Rohit Sharma Pakistan India