Shubman Gill has been one of India’s most impactful players across formats in 2023, but especially in 50-over cricket, the 24-year-old has been in sensational touch. With 1,230 runs at an average of 72.35 and a strike-rate of 105.03, the right-hander is the highest run-maker in the world this year. But a huge question mark looms over the opener’s availability for India’s World Cup opener against Australia on Sunday.

Gill is down with dengue and is a highly doubtful starter, though head coach Rahul Dravid refused to rule him out, saying he was gradually getting better and a final official call wouldn’t be taken until a little before the game.