Before their ICC Cricket World Cup campaign ever got started, the Indian squad was given a blow when everyone learned that dashing opener Shubman Gill had contracted dengue.
The consistence Gill
India’s best opening batsman—and possibly their best batsman this year—is and always has been Gill. In 2023, the young cricketer had scored over 1200 runs for India with incredible regularity.
In addition to showing outstanding consistency all year long, Gill has posed a particular concern to Australia, India’s first ODI World Cup foe this year.
He continued his strong play into the three-match ODI series that before the commencement of the World Cup, scoring 168 runs.
Former Australian captain Aaron Finch had a few things to say about the influence Gill has had on India, what he brings to the table as India’s premier opener, and what will determine whether sides advance to the World Cup.
“What’s going to stand out in this World Cup is the depth of these squads. Most teams are going with an idea what their ideal XI is but that doesn’t always go to plan. There are injuries, fatigue as it’s a long tournament.
“Still, India would be pretty comfortable. The difference will be the fear factor Shubman Gill puts into the Australian team,” Finch said while speaking to Star Sports before the start of the World Cup clash between Pakistan and Netherlands.
Australia Will Be More Comfortable With Ishan Kishan, Says Aaron Finch
After Gill’s passing, it might seem like the ideal replacement, but Finch has other ideas.
“He (Gill) is someone who Australia at times really struggle to bowl to in any format because he has no weaknesses. Gill dominates spin, left-arm pacer, right-arm pace so I think that will be the only difference. Australia will be a little more comfortable bowling to Ishan Kishan in the Powerplay.”
Despite what the numbers say about Kishan, what Finch believes this replacement would provide is an opportunity for the Aussie bowlers to flourish as well.
“Starc and Hazelwood. I would go with that selection if I have to bowl to the left-hander. The outswing to Ishan because I still think he has a few technical faults he still hasn’t quite ironed unlike gill . His front foot closes up quite a bit so if he can swing it early, they can get him. Once he gets in, he moves beautifully. But just those initial balls though, he tends to get vulnerable,” added the former Australia captain.
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