ODI World Cup 2023: Crowd roars as Rohit Sharma announces Shubman Gill's arrival in Pakistan clash

In the highly anticipated encounter of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, India is facing Pakistan in Ahmedabad today. During the coin toss, Rohit Sharma was questioned about team alterations.

The Indian captain humorously announced that Shubman Gill would be taking the field, prompting an exuberant response from the crowd. Gill, who had been grappling with dengue fever acquired shortly before the World Cup began, was met with a boisterous reception from the fans.

During Gill's absence, Ishan Kishan took on the role of opener in matches against Australia and Afghanistan in Chennai and Delhi, respectively. However, his performances, marked by a duck and 47 runs, were subpar. With the ‘Prince's return to full fitness, the team anticipates a bolstered batting lineup. Addressing the changes the team had undergone, the India skipper stated,

“Unfortunately for Ishan, he has to miss out. I feel for him. He has needed to step up for the team and has done well, but Gill has been a superb player for us and has scored a lot of runs on this ground," Rohit said at the toss.

Shubman Gill eager to make his mark at World Cups

The Punjab batter has made a comeback after sitting out the initial two tournament matches due to dengue fever. Following several net sessions and intensive batting and fielding practice, he has been reinstated in the playing 11. Rohit had earlier in a pre-match press conference hinted that Gill is nearly certain to be available for selection, with a 99% likelihood.

This adept right-handed cricketer possesses a wealth of experience and boasts an impressive track record at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the home ground for his IPL team, the Gujarat Titans. In the 2023 Asia Cup, the 24-year-old participated in two ODIs against Pakistan. Although he faced difficulties in the first match, tallying just 10 runs off 32 balls, he made a remarkable comeback in the second game with a brilliant 58 runs off 52 deliveries.

Also read: India vs Pakistan live updates