After a thrilling victory over Australia and a convincing win against Afghanistan in the league rounds, the Indian team's confidence is soaring high. However, the importance of Shubman Gill's presence in Ahmedabad cannot be overstated. Gill's remarkable record at the Motera Stadium could prove to be a game-changer.
In the first two matches, Ishan Kishan, who stepped in for Shubman Gill, didn't quite shine. Gill had to step away due to illness, but now, he is gradually regaining fitness and is in Ahmedabad to prepare for the pivotal clash against Pakistan. While there's no official confirmation yet regarding his participation in the match, if Gill takes the field in Ahmedabad, it could be a sleepless night for Pakistan.
Shubman Gill's record in Ahmedabad is not only impressive in international matches but also in the IPL. In 12 IPL matches played at this venue, Gill boasts an astonishing average of 66.90 with a strike rate of 159.28, amassing 669 runs. He has remained not out twice and recorded a highest score of 129 runs in the league. Moreover, he has not been dismissed for a duck even once at this stadium, hitting 60 fours and 25 sixes.
In international matches, Shubman Gill has yet to play an ODI in Ahmedabad. If he gets the chance against Pakistan, it will be his first one-day match at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, he has previously played T20 and Test matches at this venue, scoring 280 runs at an average of 93.33 in four innings, with a highest score of 128 runs. He has two centuries and one duck in these innings, staying not out twice.
In Ahmedabad, Gill played one T20I match, where he scored 126 runs in a single innings against New Zealand this year, maintaining a striking rate of 200. His innings consisted of 12 fours and seven sixes. He has also played three Test innings at the Narendra Modi Stadium, scoring 154 runs at an average of 51.33. His highest score in Tests here is 128, with one century and one duck. He remained not out once in Tests at this venue.
Gill's performance against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 has further established his dominance. In two matches played against Pakistan, Gill's breathtaking innings against Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah displayed his prowess with 58 runs off just 52 balls, including ten boundaries.
Now, the question remains: if Gill is available, who will make way for him in the lineup, Ishan Kishan or Shreyas Iyer? The decision could come down to Gill's recovery and fitness, and the BCCI is yet to provide confirmation in this regard. More insights into this crucial decision are expected during the pre-match press conference on Friday, led by Captain Rohit Sharma and Coach Rahul Dravid.
All eyes are on Ahmedabad, where the return of Shubman Gill could spell trouble for Pakistan and elevate India's confidence to new heights. The stage is set for an electrifying contest in this World Cup extravaganza.
