Injured Shubman Gill to sit out the first 3 ODIs against New Zealand 'A'

Punjab Ranji sensation, Shubman Gill is bound to be a dejected man as he’s most likely to miss the first 3 ODIs of the upcoming series between India ‘A’ and New Zealand ‘A’. Gill is expected to sit out of the proceedings of the first 3 matches owing to a side strain that he’s sustained. The five-match series is all set to begin on October 6, in Visakhapatnam.

18-year old Gill shot to fame like a blazing meteor after his stellar performance in the away U19 ODIs against England in July-August. He accrued 174 runs in two Tests against England U19 and contributed largely in his team winning both Tests and 5 ODIs. A notable performance by the youngster included a century that he scored in the second game in Worcester. Further, the teenage Punjab lad smashed 278 runs at an average of 92.66  in the one-day series, becoming the highest run-scorer in the series.

Gill suffers a side strain during practice

Shubman suffered a side strain ahead of the series against New Zealand ‘A’. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said, “I was really pumped for the Ranji Trophy season and was looking forward to my first-class debut. Unfortunately, I got injured during net practice in the preparatory camp in Mohali. Then the India ‘A’ squad was announced. I’ve been advised a week’s bed rest by the Punjab physiotherapist and will start strengthening afterwards. I will miss the first three ODIs for sure and then take a call on the next games. If not fully fit, I will miss the entire series.”

It was particularly because of his run-feast in England that Gill found a spot in the India ‘A’ side coached by Rahul Dravid. Reminiscing about his exploits in the same series, he said,

“Scoring on England pitches gave me a big high. I had scored runs against the England U-19 team at home, but doing well in seaming conditions was more satisfying.”

Endowed with the honour of being the best U16 cricketer for successive years (2013-14 and 2014-2015), the youngster concluded by saying, “I want to attain full fitness first. My focus is on the Ranji Trophy season followed by the U-19 World Cup.”