Shubman Gill Fractures Left Thumb; BCCI Asks Two India A Players To Stay For 1st BGT Test

Shubman Gill - (Source:@Johns/X.com)

Team India have dealt a heavy blow ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener as star batter Shubman Gill has reportedly fractured his left thumb and is likely to sit out of the first match against Australia on November 22 at the W.A.C.A Stadium in Perth. 

According to a report from Times Of India, Gill took a hit on his left thumb during the intra-squad match simulation practice in Perth. The reports mentioned that Gill was fielding in slips when he suffered the injury. 

Meanwhile, the latest report has further hinted at Gill's unavailability for the first match as BCCI has asked India A's Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan to stay back as potential options for India at the top as they are short of players. 

Notably, Padikkal and Sudharsan toured Australia for India A's two games against Australia A. The entire team is scheduled to fly back to India on November 17, but the BCCI has asked the two to stay back as they shone during the recently concluded tour. 

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Abhimanyu Easwaran is already staying back, but the apex cricket board of India wants another top-order specialist and are contemplating between Sai and Padikkal. 

Rohit Sharma, who recently welcomed a baby boy, will miss the first Test and join the team for the 2nd match. Meanwhile, a few other top-order batters suffered an injury scare as KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan recently took a heavy blow on their elbow. 

Notably, Padikkal played an 88-run knock against Australia A that impressed the selectors. Sudharsan, on the other hand, scored a century in the first innings of the first Test against Australia A. 

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