Injury Blow for India Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series

Shubman Gill's recent left thumb injury received while training at the WACA on Saturday (November 16) has put India's preparation for the opening Test in Perth in a tough spot. Initial reports suggesting a hairline fracture, Gill is likely to miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener at the Optus Stadium which is to commence next Friday (November 22).

The exact moment of Gill's injury remains uncertain from the session on Day 2 of India's match simulation. The official statement from team management hasn't ruled Gill out of the first Test, but a fractured thumb is set to hamper his participation. This comes as a concern especially with uncertainty over Rohit Sharma's availability for the first Test due to the birth of his son. This likely absence of two top-order players may leave India grappling with some tough decisions.

Gill's promising start to his Test career made him an asset to the team. However, now it's likely he would miss out on starting the big series. KL Rahul, despite suffering a blow to his right elbow during practice, is reportedly set to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal next week, given that his scans came back benign. But, another opener, Abhimanyu Easwaran, has failed to impress, adding to the line-up woes.

Consequently, the Indian selectors are left with the task of filling in the gaps for Rohit and Gill. One solution might be to tap into the potential of the India A team, still in Australia, with the selectors possibly asking a few batters to stay back as a backup. Notably, Ruturaj Gaikwad has shown impressive performance, with four sixes, two off R Ashwin's bowling. Devdutt Padikkal also had a solid showing, even against Jasprit Bumrah's bowling. Whether Gaikwad or Padikkal, get to fill in for Gill, remains to be seen.