Last Updated on 3 weeks by Charbel Coorey

Shubman Gill is expected to miss the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series due to injury. Gill suffered a fractured thumb while fielding during the intra-squad match simulation at the WACA.

Shubman Gill injury: Source confirms fractured thumb

According to Times of India (TOI), the Indian team management has said Gill is highly doubtful for the Perth Test starting on November 22. Scans revealed a fracture, which makes participation in the first Test difficult given it’s less than a week away.

“Yes, Shubman Gill is injured and has fractured his thumb while fielding during the match simulation,” said a source to TOI. “He went for scans after receiving attention from the medical team and the scans revealed a fracture. He looks highly doubtful for the opening Test but should be OK for the second Test [at Adelaide].”

Gill’s injury is another headache for India. Rohit Sharma is still likely to miss the first Test as he and his wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed a baby boy over the weekend. KL Rahul was struck on the elbow while batting and Virat Kohli was also under an injury cloud. However, a source confirmed Kohli is fine.

“Virat Kohli is absolutely fine. He batted in the match simulation without any discomfort and also had a hit in the net after he got out. No concerns there,” said the source to TOI.

If Gill is out, it remains to be seen who bats at three. Devdutt Padikkal has been asked to stay on with the Test squad after he played two matches for India A earlier this season. Abhimanyu Easwaran is the other option India have for the top of the order.

The first Test kicks off at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 22. A bouncy and pace-bowling friendly pitch is expected, so top order batting could be crucial to the final result.