India have been dealt a major blow just days out from the first Test of the keenly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, with star batter Shubman Gill reportedly ruled out with a fractured thumb.
Gill, who burst onto the scene in India’s famous 2-1 series victory in Australia four years ago, suffered the injury while fielding in the slip cordon during centre wicket match simulation at the WACA.
Having cemented his spot at No.3 in India’s batting line-up, the 25-year old has 806 runs at 47.41 in 2024 thus far, with three centuries.
The blow is the latest of several concerning incidents faced by Indian batters in Perth in the lead-in to the first Test at Optus Stadium, with KL Rahul retiring hurt after being hit on the elbow by quick Mukesh Kumar and Virat Kohli needing scans on a mystery injury.
Captain Rohit Sharma is also all but certain to miss the first Test, having remained in India for the birth of his first child on Friday.
Gill made his Test debut as an opener against Australia at the MCG for the 2020 Boxing Day Test, making 259 runs at 51.8 and top-scoring with 91 in India’s stunning run chase to win at the Gabba and claim the series 2-1.
His absence looks set to open the door for wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who top-scored with 80 and 68 for India A in their loss to Australia A at the MCG, to make his Test return, having played three matches in India’s home series win over England in early 2024 with Rishabh Pant sidelined through injury.
The first Test will begin on Friday afternoon (AEDT).
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