(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Team India is all set to face Pakistan in the 12th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Saturday. On the eve of the game, Rohit gave a major update regarding whether Shubman Gill will be available for the Indo-Pak game or not.
Shubman, who was sidelined for the first two World Cup 2023 games against Australia and Afghanistan, is likely to replace Ishan Kishan as the opener.
The star player was diagnosed with dengue, but the Punjab-born batter is now ready to mark his return. The 24-year-old last played an ODI against Australia last month in Indore.
On match day minus one, Rohit attended the press conference in Ahmedabad, where he confirmed that Shubman is fit and is almost confirmed to play tomorrow versus Pakistan.
“99 per cent he (Shubman) will play. We’ll see tomorrow (Saturday) about that,” Rohit said when asked about Shubman’s availability status at the pre-match press conference.
Furthermore, he was also asked by reporters about the possibility of Ravichandran Ashwin making it into the playing XI. In response, Rohit stated that he has not assessed the pitch yet but if it demands three spinners, all players are ready to contribute.
“I don’t know. I haven’t had a look at the pitch yet. If the requirement is there, players are ready to step up,” he added.
The 37-year-old Ashwin played in India’s first World Cup 2023 match against Australia in Chennai, where the veteran took only one wicket but bowled an economical spell, giving away just 34 runs in his 10 overs, which included a maiden. However, in the second match versus Afghanistan in Delhi, the off-spinner did not secure a spot in the XI as India replaced him with pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur.