Too late for Shubman Gill to make it to the World Cup squad, reckons Deep Dasgupta

Ever since Shubman Gill earned his maiden ODI call-up for the ongoing series in New Zealand, there are speculations all around that the youngster might be considered for a spot in the India squad for the upcoming World Cup. Seeing him make his debut in the fourth ODI only escalated those speculations. The 19-year old was given an opportunity to bat at number three in skipper Virat Kohli’s absence.

However, it was a debut to forget for Gill.  He walked out to bat after the visitors had lost Shikhar Dhawan cheaply. With the ball swinging, Gill showed promise early on and also played a handful of impressive shots. However, he could last only 20 balls before offering a catch back to Trent Boult who finished the game with 5 for 21. With just six more ODIs left before India fly to World Cup for England, there are huge uncertainties over his spot for the event.

And while only time will tell whether the selectors will gamble on the highly-rated youngster, former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta feels the time is still not right for Shubman Gill. Dasgupta’s comments came after he was asked whether MS Dhoni should replace Gill in the playing eleven for the upcoming fifth ODI against New Zealand.

If Dhoni is fit, I would play him

“If Dhoni is fit, I would play him. The World Cup is pretty long. You are gonna play the World Cup in the first half of the English summer which can be a little chilly, windy, moist and everything. Conditions as a batsman would be very tough in the first half of the World Cup. I think it will give you some kind of an idea.

“If MS Dhoni is fit, I will play him. Shubman Gill, he will have his time.  He is special, he is class act but he will have his opportunity. He will get his time,” Dasgupta told ESPNCricinfo. He further said that it is still too late for Gill to make it to the World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has been declared fit to play the fifth and final ODI on Sunday (February 3). India assistant coach Sanjay Bangar, on Saturday, confirmed the veteran batsman has regained full fitness and will play the upcoming game. “Yes, he is fit and will be playing the fifth ODI,” Bangar told reporters on the eve of the game.

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