India played the first ODI without India’s start batter Virat Kohli and now Shubman Gill has dismissed any fears over his injury, saying the star batter will return to the playing XI for the second ODI in Cuttack. Kohli was ruled out of the series opener in Nagpur due to a right knee issue, thus delaying his much-awaited comeback in India colors.
IND vs ENG 1st ODI: Kohli Out Due To Injury, Yashasvi Jaiswal In
Despite having a late fitness test to get him in for the match, Kohli was left out of the XI. In his absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal got his debut opportunity as Gill promoted to bat at No. 3. India won the game by four wickets, thereby taking the series lead at 1-0.
Shubman Gill Gives Virat Kohli’s Injury Update
Speaking after the match, Gill told the broadcasters that Kohli had woken up in the morning with swelling in the knee, which he was fine with in the net practice the previous evening. Replacing Kohli, Gill played a crucial innings, scoring a sedate 87 off 95 balls to shepherd India’s chase.
Also Read: IND Vs ENG: Shreyas Iyer Reveals Shocking Truth About His Selection In 1st ODI
“When he woke up in the morning, he had some swelling in his knee. He was fine till yesterday’s practice session. There’s nothing to worry. He will definitely be fit for the next game,” said Gill.
Shubman Gill Reflects On His Knock
“I think I play at number three in Test matches, so it wasn’t a huge adjustment. But, definitely, the situation is slightly different. If you are batting at number three and early wickets fall, you have to play according to the situation. However, if the openers have built a good partnership, then you have to carry that momentum forward. That was my thought process—to bat according to the situation and the over in which I had to come in,” said Gill.
The 25-year-old said that he did not need significant changes in his game because he frequently bats at No. 3 in Test cricket. He claimed that his only plan was to get accustomed to the situation in the match and then play.
