Was surprised to see Shubman Gill hide his injury: Saba Karim

Saba Karim, the former Indian cricketer, reckoned that Shubman Gill shouldn’t have travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) with the national team if he was aware of his injury. After the defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, India are scheduled to play a five-match Test series against England. But Shubman’s injury has raised concerns in the Indian camp for the time being.

As of now, nothing is clear as to whether Gill will be sent back home or he will miss only the first half of the series. Karim, who played one Test and 34 ODIs for India, was clear cut in saying that the Fazilka-born Gill shouldn’t have hidden his injury.

Apart from being critical of Gill, Karim also called for giving Mayank Agarwal a chance in the upcoming series. The veteran put forth his opinions while speaking on the podcast ‘Khelneeti’.

Mayank should be given preference: Saba Karim

“I was surprised to see Shubman Gill hide his injury. He has been travelling for a long time with the Indian team. There are physios and other medical staff tracking the fitness of the players. It’s very surprising in the first place, how it happened and why it didn’t come up earlier,” Karim said.

“Mayank should be given preference. We have been harsh towards Mayank. He was sidelined after just 2-3 failed innings,” he added. Agarwal, mostly, has had to warm the benches after the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

In the meantime, Nikhil Chopra, another former Indian cricketer, has mentioned that Mayank should get an opportunity in the upcoming series.

“If you set standards for senior players like Rohit Sharma (who wasn’t sent to Australia initially due to an injury), then it’s applicable to other players also. Players who are already in the squad should be given a chance.

“Mayank had a terrific home series. It would be wrong to bring a player from the back instead of a player who is already present with you. It will set the wrong example,” Chopra said.

The first of the five Tests is scheduled to get underway on August 4 at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The Lord’s, Headingley, Kennington Oval, and Old Trafford will play hosts to the remaining four matches.